Final answer:
The Ars Nova is distinguished from earlier medieval music by its advanced notation system, which allowed composers to specify complex rhythmic patterns in their compositions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ars Nova, or 'new art', signified a departure from older musical practices by introducing changes in musical notation and rhythm. This period, thriving in the 14th century, allowed composers to express an unprecedented array of rhythmic complexity in their works, which was not possible in the earlier medieval music, largely characterized by Gregorian chant with its limited rhythmic flexibility.
The shift permitted the specification of complex rhythmic patterns that facilitated the development of polyphony, where multiple independent melody lines could be played or sung simultaneously. This advancement in notation also supported the composition of both sacred and secular music, fostering a rich diversity of musical forms that could be precisely documented and distributed.
The direct answer to the question is: b) Notation, rhythmical pattern. This enabled the creation and proliferation of a variety of musical genres, including the Italian madrigal, the French chanson, and others, contributing to a richer musical tapestry that became part of the cultural heritage of the Renaissance period.