In the discussion of the relationship between the clausula and the motet, a systematic study of notational practice, particularly with regard to fractio modi, has often been lacking. Using clausula-motet pairs in Florence, Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Pluteus 29.1, motets in first rhythmic mode that have a corresponding clausula are considered. The Latin motets show exceptional musical fidelity to the melismatic originals, but the motets gain flexibility in syllabification by use of fractio modi in the source clausula. Tables compare the motet and clausula sources, and list all instances of fractio modi within the study group. Rhythmic alterations were sometimes made to the source clausula, usually by the introduction of semibreve pairs or by shifting groups of three breves forward by one perfection.

Works: Christe via veritas (151-54); Gaude Syon filia (155-6); Stirps Iesse--Virga cultus (155, 158); Doceas hac die (158-59); Radix venie (158, 160); Immolata paschali victima (160-63).

Sources: Adiutorium no. 2 (147-54); Et Iherusalem no. 2 (155-56); Flos filius eius (a3) no. 3 (155, 158); Docebit no. 1 (158-59); Immolatus est (a3) no. 1 (158-63).

Index Classifications: Polyphony to 1300

Contributed by: Felix Cox