Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Round

Average_duration

:

2:15

"Doulz viaire gracieus" 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 first performed at the court of King John II of France. The chanson is written in the form of a rondeau, a popular form of French poetry and music in the Middle Ages. It consists of three stanzas, each followed by a refrain. The refrain, "Doulz viaire gracieus," 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 beloved, using imagery of flowers and birds to convey the sense of joy and happiness that the lover feels in her presence. The second stanza shifts to a more introspective tone, as the lover reflects on his own feelings and desires. The final stanza returns to the theme of the beloved's beauty and grace, ending with a plea for her to return the lover's affection. The music of "Doulz viaire gracieus" is characterized by its intricate polyphony and use of dissonance. Machaut was known for his innovative use of harmony and rhythm, and this chanson is no exception. The melody is sung by the highest voice, while the lower voices provide a complex web of counterpoint and harmony. Overall, "Doulz viaire gracieus" is a beautiful and complex work of medieval music and poetry. Its use of intricate polyphony and innovative harmony make it a masterpiece of the Ars Nova style, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Machaut's skill as a composer and poet.

More....