Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:14

"De petit po, de nient volente" 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 likely premiered at the court of John II of France, where Machaut was a canon and secretary. The chanson is written in the form of a rondeau, a popular form of secular song in the Middle Ages. It consists of three stanzas, each followed by a refrain. The refrain, "De petit po, de nient volente," translates to "Of little worth, of no will." The text of the chanson is a lament for lost love, with the speaker expressing his sorrow and longing for his beloved. The music of "De petit po, de nient volente" is characterized by its complex polyphony and intricate rhythms. Machaut was known for his innovative use of musical notation, and this chanson is no exception. The melody is written in the top voice, with two lower voices providing a counterpoint. The rhythms of the lower voices are often syncopated, creating a sense of tension and urgency. Overall, "De petit po, de nient volente" is a beautiful example of Machaut's skill as a composer and poet. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved work of medieval music, and it continues to be performed and studied today.

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