Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

2:36

"Je vivroie liement" 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 in the Middle Ages. It consists of three stanzas, each followed by a refrain. The refrain, "Je vivroie liement," translates to "I would live joyfully." The chanson is written in the first person, with the speaker expressing their desire to live joyfully with their lover. The first stanza describes the speaker's desire to be with their lover, even if it means leaving behind their wealth and status. The second stanza describes the speaker's longing for their lover's touch and the joy it brings them. The third stanza expresses the speaker's hope that their love will last forever. The chanson is characterized by its use of complex polyphony, with multiple voices singing different melodies at the same time. Machaut was known for his innovative use of polyphony, and "Je vivroie liement" is a prime example of his skill in this area. The chanson also features intricate rhythms and harmonies, which add to its complexity and beauty. Overall, "Je vivroie liement" is a beautiful and complex chanson that showcases Machaut's skill as a composer. Its use of polyphony and intricate harmonies make it a masterpiece of medieval music, and it remains a beloved work to this day.

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