Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

4:03

"Se ma dame m'a guerpy" 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 noble patron, as was common for Machaut's compositions. The chanson is in three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is in a lively, dance-like rhythm, with a playful melody that reflects the joy of the narrator's love for his lady. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more complex melody that reflects the narrator's sadness at being abandoned by his lady. The third movement returns to the lively rhythm of the first, but with a more melancholy tone that reflects the narrator's resignation to his fate. The lyrics of "Se ma dame m'a guerpy" are in the form of a dialogue between the narrator and his lady. The narrator expresses his love for his lady and his desire to be with her, while the lady responds with indifference and eventually abandons him. The lyrics are notable for their use of repetition and wordplay, as well as their emotional depth and complexity. The chanson was likely premiered at the court of a noble patron, where it would have been performed by a group of musicians and singers. It was likely popular among the nobility of the time, who would have appreciated its sophisticated lyrics and complex musical structure. Overall, "Se ma dame m'a guerpy" is a masterpiece of medieval music, showcasing Machaut's skill as both a poet and a composer. Its lively rhythms, complex melodies, and emotional depth make it a timeless work of art that continues to be appreciated by music lovers today.

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