Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

3:45

"Mors sui se je ne vous voy" is a chanson composed by Guillaume de Machaut, a French poet and composer of the 14th century. The chanson was composed in the ars nova style, which was a musical style that emerged in the 14th century and was characterized by complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and the use of isorhythm. The chanson was composed in the early 1350s and was likely premiered at the court of John II of France. The chanson is written in three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a monophonic chant-like section that sets the text "Mors sui se je ne vous voy" (Death is upon me if I do not see you). The melody is simple and repetitive, with the text being sung in a chant-like manner. The second movement is a polyphonic section that features a complex and intricate vocal texture. The melody is divided between the voices, with each voice singing a different line of text. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances and suspensions adding to the emotional intensity of the music. The third movement is a return to the monophonic chant-like style of the first movement. The melody is similar to the first movement, but the text has changed to "Je suis aussi com cils qui est ravis" (I am like one who is enraptured). The melody is sung in a more expressive and emotive manner, with the singer conveying a sense of longing and desire. Overall, "Mors sui se je ne vous voy" is a powerful and emotional chanson that showcases Machaut's mastery of the ars nova style. The use of complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and expressive melodies make this chanson a masterpiece of medieval music.

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