Composer

:

Johannes Ockeghem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Average_duration

:

6:04

"Ma maitresse" is a chanson composed by Johannes Ockeghem, a prominent composer of the Franco-Flemish School, in the late 15th century. The piece is believed to have been composed around 1470-1480 and was likely premiered in the court of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. The chanson is written in three voices and is characterized by its smooth and flowing melodic lines, intricate harmonies, and subtle use of dissonance. The text of the piece is a love poem in which the speaker expresses his devotion to his mistress, praising her beauty and grace. The first movement of the chanson features a gentle and lyrical melody in the tenor voice, accompanied by a simple and understated counterpoint in the upper voices. The second movement is more complex, with the upper voices weaving intricate melodic lines around the steady and rhythmic bass line. The final movement returns to the simplicity of the first, with the tenor voice once again taking the lead and the upper voices providing a delicate and understated accompaniment. Overall, "Ma maitresse" is a beautiful and elegant example of the polyphonic chanson, showcasing Ockeghem's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create rich and expressive musical textures.

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