Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Virelai

Average_duration

:

2:16

"Plus dure qu'un dyamant" is a chanson composed by Guillaume de Machaut, a French poet and composer of the 14th century. The chanson was composed in the 1350s and is one of Machaut's most famous works. It was premiered in the court of King John II of France, where Machaut was a court musician. 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, "Plus dure qu'un dyamant," is repeated after each stanza, creating a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. The chanson is characterized by its complex and intricate polyphonic texture, which is typical of Machaut's style. The melody is sung by a solo voice, while the other voices provide a rich and varied harmonic accompaniment. The harmonies are often dissonant and unexpected, creating a sense of tension and drama. The text of the chanson is a love poem, in which the speaker compares his beloved to a diamond, saying that she is even harder and more precious than the most valuable gemstone. The poem is full of metaphors and imagery, creating a vivid and evocative picture of the speaker's feelings. Overall, "Plus dure qu'un dyamant" is a masterpiece of medieval music, showcasing Machaut's skill as a composer and poet. Its intricate polyphony, rich harmonies, and beautiful melody make it a timeless work of art that continues to be admired and performed today.

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