Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

3:03

"Dame, a vous sans retollir" is a chanson composed by Guillaume de Machaut, a French poet and composer of the 14th century. The chanson was composed in the 1350s and is one of Machaut's most famous works. It was premiered in the court of King John II of France, where Machaut was a court musician. The chanson is written in the form of a rondeau, a popular form of French poetry in the Middle Ages. It consists of three stanzas, each followed by a refrain. The refrain, "Dame, a vous sans retollir," is repeated after each stanza, creating a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. The first stanza of the chanson describes the beauty and grace of the lady to whom the song is addressed. The second stanza expresses the singer's desire to be with the lady and to serve her. The third stanza is a plea for the lady to show mercy and kindness to the singer. The music of "Dame, a vous sans retollir" is characterized by its intricate polyphony and rich harmonies. Machaut was known for his innovative use of harmony and his ability to create complex musical structures. The chanson features a four-part vocal texture, with each voice singing a different melody that weaves together to create a rich and complex tapestry of sound. Overall, "Dame, a vous sans retollir" is a beautiful and complex work of music and poetry that showcases Machaut's skill as a composer and poet. Its popularity and enduring appeal are a testament to the enduring power of Machaut's music and the enduring legacy of medieval French culture.

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