Motet

Listen to a Medieval Motet

This Motet is written by the French composer Guillaume de Machaut. Machaut was the first composer to come up with the idea of writing music for the 5 parts of the Mass.

A sacred (and sometimes secular) vocal composition based on Gregorian Chant with 2 or more parts in polyphonic texture and more independent rhythmic parts. A medieval motet contains complicated rhythmic techniques such as isorhythm and hocket. A motet also has highly developed polyphony. The constant experimentation practiced by composers writing motets resulted in compositions that sounded odd and sometimes quirky.