Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Compose Date

:

before 1340

Average_duration

:

2:32

"Aymi, dame de valour" is a chanson composed by Guillaume de Machaut, a French poet and composer of the 14th century. The chanson was likely composed in the 1350s and is one of Machaut's most famous works. It was likely written for a noblewoman named Aymi, who was likely a patron of Machaut's. The chanson is written in the form of a rondeau, a popular form of French poetry in the 14th century. The rondeau consists of a refrain, which is repeated throughout the poem, and several stanzas. In "Aymi, dame de valour," the refrain is "Dame, se vous n'avez aperceu," which translates to "Lady, if you have not perceived." The chanson is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with a mournful melody that reflects the speaker's longing for Aymi. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more playful melody. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative character of the first movement, with a melody that is more complex and intricate. The chanson is notable for its use of complex polyphony, with multiple voices singing different melodies at the same time. This creates a rich, layered sound that is characteristic of Machaut's music. The chanson also features intricate wordplay and poetic imagery, with Machaut using metaphors and allusions to convey the speaker's feelings of love and longing. Overall, "Aymi, dame de valour" is a beautiful and complex work of music and poetry that showcases Machaut's skill as a composer and poet. Its intricate polyphony and rich imagery make it a masterpiece of medieval music, and it remains a beloved work of art to this day.

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