Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Ballata

Average_duration

:

4:48

"Donnez, signeurs" is a chanson composed by Guillaume de Machaut, a French poet and composer of the 14th century. The chanson was composed in the ars nova style, which was characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies, and was written for three voices. The chanson was likely composed in the early 1350s, during Machaut's time as a canon at the cathedral in Reims. It was first performed at the court of King John II of France, who was a patron of Machaut's work. "Donnez, signeurs" is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is lively and energetic, with a fast tempo and complex rhythms. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more melodic and lyrical character. The third movement returns to the lively and energetic character of the first, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The chanson is notable for its use of complex polyphony, with each voice singing a different melody at the same time. This creates a rich and intricate texture that is characteristic of the ars nova style. The lyrics of the chanson are in French, and describe the joys of love and the pleasures of courtly life. Overall, "Donnez, signeurs" is a masterful example of Machaut's skill as a composer and poet. Its complex rhythms and harmonies, combined with its rich and intricate texture, make it a masterpiece of the ars nova style.

More....