Final answer:
Guillaume de Machaut's Messe de Nostre Dame is a pivotal work in the medieval music repertoire, characterized by the use of now-uncommon instruments and polyphonic textures. It reflects the era's cultural importance of the Notre Dame Cathedral as seen in art and Gothic architecture, with some listeners drawing parallels between medieval and modern modal music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Messe de Nostre Dame by Guillaume de Machaut is a significant composition in the history of medieval music, particularly known for being one of the earliest complete settings of the Mass by a single composer. Medieval music, including this work, often has a heavy feel compared to contemporary music, partly due to the types of instruments used at the time which are not common today. Instruments from the medieval period included the vielle, lute, and harpsichord, which contributed to the distinctive sound of the era.
The Messe de Nostre Dame stands out for its complexity and beauty, demonstrating the polyphonic style that was becoming more prevalent during Machaut's time. The importance of Notre Dame Cathedral in medieval society is underscored by its frequent representation in art and architecture, such as the engraved view of Paris by Léonard Gaultier and the tympanum at the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Strasbourg, which both emphasize its cultural and religious significance.
The Gothic architecture of medieval cathedrals, like the Notre Dame de Chartres, was another aspect of the era's artistic achievements, influencing the heavy and mystical atmosphere associated with medieval music and art. The comparison to modern music may depend on individual preferences, with some finding the polyphony and modality of medieval compositions like Machaut's Mass reminiscent of certain genres that value complex layering and modal harmonies.