Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Ballata

Average_duration

:

1:59

Guillaume de Machaut was a French poet and composer of the 14th century. He is considered one of the most important composers of the Ars Nova style, which was characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies. One of his most famous works is the motet "Sanz cuer/Amis, dolens/Dame, par vous," which was composed around 1350. The motet is written for three voices and is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Sanz cuer," is a rondeau that features a lively and rhythmic melody. The second movement, "Amis, dolens," is a ballade that is more melancholic in nature. The third movement, "Dame, par vous," is a virelai that is more upbeat and features a lively dance-like rhythm. The text of the motet is in Old French and is a love poem that tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman who does not return his affections. The first movement is addressed to the woman and expresses the man's desire to be with her. The second movement is addressed to the man's friends and expresses his sadness and despair. The third movement is addressed to the woman again and expresses the man's hope that she will eventually return his love. The music of the motet is characterized by its complex rhythms and harmonies. Machaut uses a variety of rhythmic patterns, including syncopation and hemiola, to create a sense of tension and release. The harmonies are also complex, with frequent use of dissonance and chromaticism. Machaut also uses melodic imitation between the voices to create a sense of unity and coherence. The motet was premiered in the court of King John II of France, who was a patron of Machaut. It was likely performed by a small ensemble of singers and instrumentalists. The motet was highly regarded in its time and was influential in the development of later polyphonic music. It remains a popular work in the repertoire of early music ensembles today.

More....