Philippe de Vitry (31 October 1291 – 9 June 1361) was a French musician, poet, bishop, and music theorist known for his work in the ars nova style of late medieval music. He was a skilled and influential composer, widely respected as one of the most important musicians of his time. The Renaissance scholar Petrarch praised him highly, describing him as "the keenest and most ardent seeker of truth, so great a philosopher of our age." The significant music treatise Ars nova notandi (1322) is commonly credited to Vitry.
It is believed that only a few of Vitry's compositions have survived. Although he wrote secular music, only his sacred works are still known to exist.
Life and career
Details about Philippe de Vitry’s early life are unclear. Some medieval records say he was born in the Champagne region, but modern scholars believe he may have come from Vitry-en-Artois near Arras.
Because he was often called "Magister" in documents, it is likely he studied at the University of Paris. Later, he worked in the courts of Charles IV, Philippe VI, and Jean II, holding roles as a secretary and advisor. These connections may have helped him gain church positions, such as those in Clermont, Beauvais, and Paris. He also served briefly in the papal group at Avignon under Pope Clement VI. In addition to these roles, he worked as a diplomat and soldier, including service during the siege of Aiguillon in 1346.
In 1351, Vitry became Bishop of Meaux, a city east of Paris. He was involved in important political, artistic, and church circles and knew many influential people of his time, such as the Italian scholar Petrarch and the mathematician, philosopher, and music theorist Nicole Oresme. Vitry died in Paris on June 9, 1361.
Music
The manuscript titled Aman novi/Heu Fortuna/Heu me, tristis est anima mea from F-Pnm Français 146 is part of a version of the Roman de Fauvel.
Vitry is best known in music history for his treatise on music, Ars nova notandi (1322), which gave its name to the musical style of that time. However, questions have been raised about whether he actually wrote the treatise and whether it ever existed.
Some of Vitry’s compositions have survived. These works demonstrate innovations in musical notation, especially in mensural and rhythmic systems, which were credited to him within a century of their creation. His motets, which are stylistically linked to the Roman de Fauvel, are particularly significant. These innovations helped make possible the complex and free-flowing music of the next 100 years, which reached its peak in the Ars subtilior.
Vitry is believed to have written chansons, but only some of his motets remain. Each surviving motet shows a unique structure and style. He is also often credited with developing the idea of isorhythmic lines. Five of his three-part motets are found in the Roman de Fauvel; nine more are included in the Ivrea Codex.
Works
There is still a discussion about which works Vitry composed and which he did not. The first 16 pieces listed here, all motets, are generally believed to be his. Only a few of Vitry's compositions have survived. He wrote non-religious music, but only his religious works have survived.
- Aman novi / Heu Fortuna / Heu me, tristis est anima mea
- Cum statua / Hugo / Magister invidie
- Douce playsence / Garison / Neuma quinti toni
- Floret / Florens / Neuma
- Garrit gallus / In nova fert / Neuma
- Impudenter circuivi / Virtutibus / Contratenor / Tenor
- O canenda / Rex quem / Contratenor / Rex regum
- Petre clemens / Lugentium / Tenor
- Tribum / Quoniam secta / Merito hec patimur
- Tuba sacre fidei / In arboris / Virgo sum
- Vos quid admiramini / Gratissima / Contratenor / Gaude gloriosa
Note: The motet Phi millies / O creator / Iacet granum / Quam sufflabit and the ballade De terre en grec Gaulle appellee are clearly believed to belong to Vitry. No music for the latter has survived, while the former survives only in parts (see Zayaruznaya, 2018).
- Colla iugo / Bona condit / Libera me Domine
- Firmissime / Adesto / Alleluya, Benedictus
- Flos ortus / Celsa cedrus / Tenor
- Orbis orbatus / Vos pastores / Fur non venit (less widely accepted)
- Quid scire proderit / Dantur officia (less widely accepted)
- Almifonis / Rosa / Tenor
- Amer / Durement / Dolor meus
- Apta caro / Flos / Alma redemptorisa mater
- In virtute / Decens carmen / Clamor meus / Contratenor
- O Philippe / O bone
- Per grama protho paret
- Scariotis / Jure
- Se cuers / Rex
- Se paour / Diex / Concupisco
- Servant regem / O Philippe / Rex regum
Recordings
2009 – En un jardin. Les quatre saisons de l'Ars Nova. Manuscripts from Stavelot, Mons, Utrecht, and Leiden. Capilla Flamenca. MEW 0852. Includes recordings of "Vos quid admiramini virginem / Gratissima virginis / Gaude gloriosa" and "Adesto sancta trinitas / Firmissime fidem / Alleluia Benedicta" by Philippe de Vitry.