ars nova: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “ars nova” mean?
A style of music that developed in France and the Low Countries in the 14th century, characterized by increased rhythmic complexity, the use of isorhythm, and the secularization of polyphonic music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of music that developed in France and the Low Countries in the 14th century, characterized by increased rhythmic complexity, the use of isorhythm, and the secularization of polyphonic music.
A term for any significant, revolutionary new development or movement in an artistic field, by analogy with the 14th-century musical movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is identical in scholarly contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, specialised, historical. Associated with university-level music history courses.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used only within specific academic disciplines. Equal frequency in UK and US academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “ars nova” in a Sentence
The [COMPOSER/WORK] is a prime example of *ars nova*.The transition from *ars antiqua* to *ars nova* marked a shift...Characteristics of the *ars nova* include...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ars nova” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb use]
American English
- [No verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb use]
American English
- [No adverb use]
adjective
British English
- The *ars-nova* repertoire is fascinating.
- An *ars-nova* motet
American English
- This manuscript contains *ars nova* compositions.
- An *ars nova* style composer
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in musicology, medieval studies, and art history papers. E.g., 'The isorhythmic motet is a hallmark of the *ars nova*.'
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core context. Used to describe a specific historical period, its notation, and compositional techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ars nova”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ars nova”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ars nova”
- Misspelling as 'ars novus' (incorrect Latin gender agreement; 'ars' is feminine).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'new style' outside of a very deliberate, scholarly metaphor.
- Pronouncing 'ars' as English 'arse' rather than Latin /ɑːz/ or /ɑːrs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is Latin for 'new art' or 'new technique'.
The opposite is 'ars antiqua' (old art), referring to the earlier 13th-century style of medieval music.
Only in a very deliberate, metaphorical sense by a critic or scholar drawing a direct parallel to the historical revolution. It is not a standard term for contemporary music.
Typically, yes, when referring to the specific historical period (the Ars Nova). It may be in lower case when used adjectivally (ars nova style) or in the extended metaphorical sense.
A style of music that developed in France and the Low Countries in the 14th century, characterized by increased rhythmic complexity, the use of isorhythm, and the secularization of polyphonic music.
Ars nova is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Ars nova: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːz ˈnəʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrz ˈnoʊvə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARS' is 'art' in Latin. 'NOVA' is 'new'. It was the 'New Art' of music in the 1300s, breaking from the older 'Ars Antiqua' (Old Art).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC REVOLUTION IS A NEW TOOL/CRAFT (Ars = craft, technique). PROGRESS IN ART IS CHRONOLOGICAL (nova vs. antiqua).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'ars nova' primarily used?