Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

4:20

"Moult sui de bonne heure nee" 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 part of Machaut's collection of secular songs known as the "Livre dou Voir Dit." The chanson is in rondeau form, with a refrain that repeats throughout the piece. The text of the chanson is a lament by a woman who feels that she was born at the wrong time and wishes she had lived in the past. The refrain, "Moult sui de bonne heure nee" (I was born too early), emphasizes this sentiment. The chanson is characterized by its complex and intricate polyphonic texture, with multiple voices weaving in and out of each other. Machaut was known for his innovative use of harmony and counterpoint, and "Moult sui de bonne heure nee" is a prime example of his skill in these areas. The premiere of the chanson is unknown, but it was likely performed in the courtly circles of 14th-century France. Machaut was a prominent figure in these circles, serving as a secretary and chaplain to various noble patrons. Overall, "Moult sui de bonne heure nee" is a beautiful and poignant example of Machaut's artistry as a composer and poet. Its intricate harmonies and complex polyphony make it a masterpiece of medieval music, and its themes of longing and nostalgia continue to resonate with listeners today.

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