Composer

:

Jehannot de l'Escurel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1305

Average_duration

:

3:32

"Abundance de felonnie" is a 14th-century French chanson composed by Jehannot de l'Escurel. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the mid-14th century. The chanson was first performed in the court of King John II of France. The chanson is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a melancholic melody that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The third movement returns to the slower, more mournful tone of the first movement, bringing the piece to a somber conclusion. The lyrics of "Abundance de felonnie" are a lament for the state of the world, which the composer sees as full of treachery and deceit. The title of the chanson translates to "Abundance of Treachery," and the lyrics describe a world where even the most virtuous people are betrayed and deceived by those around them. The composer expresses a sense of despair at the state of the world, and a longing for a time when people were more honest and trustworthy. Musically, "Abundance de felonnie" is a prime example of the Ars Nova style of composition that was popular in France in the 14th century. This style was characterized by complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and the use of isorhythm, a technique where a repeating pattern of notes is used throughout a piece. The chanson also features a number of musical devices, such as syncopation and hemiola, that were common in Ars Nova compositions. Overall, "Abundance de felonnie" is a powerful and moving piece of music that reflects the anxieties and concerns of its time. Its complex musical structure and poignant lyrics make it a masterpiece of the Ars Nova style, and a testament to the enduring power of medieval music.

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