The Emergence of Sacred Musical Forms in the 1330s: A Comprehensive Analysis

The 14th century marked a significant epoch in the evolution of sacred music, particularly in the realm of the polyphonic mass. This period witnessed the transition from collections of anonymous works to the emergence of a more unified and single-cohesive composition. By the 1330s, composers began to experiment with new forms of musical expression, laying the groundwork for future developments in sacred music.

The Polyphonic Mass

The polyphonic mass, a style of sacred music characterized by multiple overlapping vocal parts, emerged during this pivotal era. Early examples of polyphonic masses were often made up of movements by different composers, often composed by anonymous authors. However, by the 1330s, a new trend was emerging: the compilation of these movements into a cohesive and unified musical structure.

The Tournai Mass

The first known mass to be written in a manuscript as a single unified setting of the entire Ordinary is the Tournai Mass. This innovative work was created in the 1330s and has since become a landmark in the evolution of polyphonic masses. The Tournai Mass represents a significant step forward in the composition of sacred music, as it showcases the integration of different vocal parts into a single, cohesive whole.

Other Examples

In addition to the Tournai Mass, three other similarly compiled masses also emerged during the 13th and early 14th centuries. These include:

The Toulouse Mass The Barcelona Mass The Besanon Mass, also known as the Sorbonne Mass

Notably, all of these masses were anonymous, and musicological scholarship has indicated that they were compilations of the works of several different composers. This practice allowed for the fusion of diverse styles and techniques, enriching the overall texture and complexity of the sacred music of the time.

A growing influence: Guillaume Machaut

The 1330s also saw the rise of Guillaume Machaut, a composer who would significantly contribute to the evolution of the polyphonic mass. Towards the end of the 14th century, Machaut composed the first through-composed single mass. This groundbreaking work marked a new level of integration in sacred music, demonstrating how a single composer could create a seamless and unified polyphonic mass, setting a precedent for future composers.

Machaut's Influence

Machaut's single-mass composition technique involved the creation of a continuous, flowing musical narrative. This approach contrasted with the earlier practice of compiling works from multiple composers, as seen in the Tournai and other masses. His method not only showcased his compositional skill but also initiated a new era in the composition of sacred music.

Legacy of the 1330s

The 1330s can be seen as a transitional period in the history of sacred music. It marks the shift from anonymous compilations to the creation of more cohesive and unified compositions. The works of Guillaume Machaut, such as the first through-composed single mass, exemplify this evolution, illustrating how a single composer could create a more integrated and complex sacred musical form.

The legacy of the 1330s and the works of Guillaume Machaut continue to influence sacred music composition to this day. His approach to creating single-mass compositions has inspired countless composers and has contributed to the richness and diversity of sacred music literature.