Composer

:

Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Ballata

Average_duration

:

4:33

Guillaume de Machaut was a French poet and composer of the 14th century. He is considered one of the most important composers of the Ars Nova style, which was characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies. One of his most famous works is the motet "Quant Theseus/Ne quier veoir," which was composed around 1360. The motet is written in three voices, with the upper two voices singing in French and the lower voice singing in Latin. The text of the upper voices is taken from Machaut's own poem "Le Livre du Voir Dit," while the lower voice is taken from the Latin hymn "Ave Maris Stella." The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Quant Theseus," is a lively and rhythmic dance-like section. The upper voices sing about the Greek hero Theseus and his adventures, while the lower voice sings a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The contrasting rhythms and melodies of the upper and lower voices create a sense of tension and excitement. The second movement, "Ne quier veoir," is a slower and more contemplative section. The upper voices sing about the pain of unrequited love, while the lower voice sings a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The harmonies in this section are more complex and dissonant, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the text. The final movement, "Ave Maris Stella," is a joyful and celebratory section. All three voices sing the Latin hymn to the Virgin Mary, creating a sense of unity and harmony. The rhythms and harmonies in this section are simpler and more straightforward, reflecting the peaceful resolution of the previous movements. Overall, "Quant Theseus/Ne quier veoir" is a complex and sophisticated work that showcases Machaut's mastery of the Ars Nova style. The use of multiple languages and contrasting rhythms and harmonies creates a sense of tension and release, while the text explores themes of love, heroism, and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The motet premiered in the 14th century and continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars today.

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