As music continues to metamorphose with the constant changes that we undergo in society, none may not be as prevalent as in the fourteenth century with the development of Ars Nova. Now, thus far in our understanding in Music History, we have covered many topics of medieval music, ranging from plainchant and the usage of neumes, tropes and the embellishments of previous music, and most recently Ars Antiqua. With Ars Antiqua, which was the period of Notre Dame Polyphony, it applied many additions to the plainchants with organum, such as Florid Organum and Discant Organum, as well as the use of motets, which added new text to the upper voice. However, the transition from Ars Antiqua to Ars Nova brings about drastic changes that impacts the music …show more content…
Landini was a Florentine fellow that had lost his sight to smallpox, but had his “mind’s eye” that allowed him to excel in music. There are many records to his great musicianship, stating that he was able to pick up many instruments and play them proficiently with great dexterity and little ease. He excelled on a variety of instruments, whether it be the lute or fiddle, or even of the string and wind instruments. Francesco even invented his own instrument called the Serena Serenarum and Syrenam. Though, Landini was best known for his playing abilities on the organ, being not only a musician and poet, but an organ builder, organ tuner and instrument builder. He was able to play with little to no mistakes, and even had the ability to repair and set the pipes so that it would play sweet notes instead of harsh and jangling noises. While scholars have some doubts at whether he was really able to pick up instruments and play them professionally, his skills on the organ were quite consistent with their findings. As a result of Landini’s abilities, he is recognized as being a prominent celebrity in the Ars Nova movement, showcasing well the shift towards playing music professionally rather than just in the love of