Stylistic characteristics of the Italian mature Trecento music: The case of Francesco Landini

Authors : Kateryna Cherevko, Oleksandra Trakalo, Oksana Pysmenna, Marta Bura, Natalia Samostrokova
Pages : 832-847
Doi:10.31811/ojomus.1727423
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Publication Date : 2025-10-29
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :The Italian Trecento represents a pivotal stage in the evolution of secular polyphony, marking the emergence of a distinct national musical style within the broader framework of European Ars Nova.This period witnessed the flourishing of indigenous forms that reflect poetic refinement, cultural specificity, and stylistic experimentation at the intersection of the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance. Trecento music is distinguished by its modal diversity, lyrical expressiveness, and innovative use of rhythm – especially in genres such as the madrigal, caccia, and ballata. Objective. The aim of this article is to analyze the stylistic traits and genre development of Trecento music and assess its broader impact on the evolution of musical culture in Europe. The study investigates the internal features of key secular forms, tracing their transformation from monophonic precedents to mature polyphonic structures. It focuses on both prominent and lesser-known composers, with particular emphasis on Francesco Landini, whose works exemplify melodic fluency, structural refinement, and rhythmic nuance. The article sheds light on the emergence of regional musical idioms and their role in shaping early Renaissance aesthetics. Special attention is given to the interplay between music and poetry. The article takes into account the works of composers from different generations of the Trecento era, including both early representatives and those whose output marks the culmination of the style and the transition to a new historical stage. By situating Trecento music within a wider cultural and historical narrative, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of its legacy and relevance for historically informed performance today.
Keywords : Trecento, Francesco Landini, tür, üslup, madrigal, caccia, ballata

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