Although generally considered to be two directly opposed forms, the conductus and the clausula have many interrelations. One unifying feature is that the upper voices in both forms are written in the same style. Both forms employ melismas, albeit to different extents. Sometimes features from the two genres blend together in one piece. In the three-part conductus Si membrana esset celum, the melisma is based entirely on plainsong. This would be done in the same manner in a clausula. On the other hand, entire sections of clausulae are sometimes inserted directly into the fabric of conducti. Thus, these two genres have much more in common than was originally believed.

Works: Conductus: Parit preter morem (69), Veris ad imperia (70), Legis in volumine (70), Purgator criminum (70), Suspirat spiritus (70), Ver pacis aperit (71), Isaias cecinit (71), Flos de spina procreatur (71), Ave Maria gratia plena (72), Adiuva nos (72), Si membrana esset celum (74), Benedicamus Domino (76), Dic Christi veritas (89).

Sources: Estampie: Piec'a que savoie (69); Song: A l'entrada del tens clar (70); Conductus: Veris ad imperia (70); Blondele de Nesle: L'Amour donc sui espris (70), Ma joie me semont (71); Sequence: Laetabundas (71), Flos spina procreatur (71), Deus creator omnium (76).

Index Classifications: Polyphony to 1300

Contributed by: Rebecca Dowsley