Notre Dame School
Designation for a school of French polyphonic music c. 1200, whose leading
composers -- the only ones known by name -- were Leonin
(second half of the 12th century) and Perotin
(c. 1160-1220). The name is based on the surmise (a very likely one)
that both masters were connected with the famous cathedral of Paris.
The repertory of the school of Notre Dame, consists of a collection of
two-part organa known as the
"Magnus liber organi" (59 pieces for the Mass
and 34 pieces for the Offices),
additional organa in two, three, and four parts, and numerous clausulae,
conductus,
and early
motets.
(See the article Notre Dame School)