Composer

:

Oswald von Wolkenstein

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:56

"Nu huss sprach der Michel von Wolkenstein" is a medieval German song composed by Oswald von Wolkenstein, a prominent poet and composer of the 14th and 15th centuries. The song is believed to have been composed in the early 15th century and is one of the most famous works of Wolkenstein. The song was first performed in the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund in 1417. It is a part of a larger collection of songs and poems composed by Wolkenstein, which are known as the "Wolkenstein Manuscript". The manuscript contains a total of 128 songs and poems, which are written in Middle High German. "Nu huss sprach der Michel von Wolkenstein" is a song that is divided into three movements. The first movement is a monologue by Michel, who is a peasant. He talks about his life and the hardships he faces as a peasant. He complains about the high taxes he has to pay and the unfair treatment he receives from the nobility. The second movement is a dialogue between Michel and a nobleman. The nobleman tries to convince Michel that his life is not as bad as he thinks it is. He tells Michel that he should be grateful for the protection and security provided by the nobility. Michel, however, is not convinced and argues that the nobility is only interested in their own interests and not the welfare of the peasants. The third movement is a conclusion to the song. Michel reflects on the conversation he had with the nobleman and concludes that the nobility will never understand the struggles of the peasants. He expresses his hope that one day the peasants will rise up and overthrow the nobility. The song is characterized by its strong social and political commentary. It is a reflection of the tensions that existed between the nobility and the peasants during the medieval period. The song is also notable for its use of vernacular language, which was uncommon in medieval music. The use of vernacular language made the song more accessible to the common people and helped to spread its message. Overall, "Nu huss sprach der Michel von Wolkenstein" is a powerful and influential work of medieval music. It is a testament to the struggles of the peasants during the medieval period and a reminder of the importance of social justice and equality.

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