Composer

:

Adam de la Halle

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1270-ca. 1300

Average_duration

:

7:48

"De cuer pensieu et desirant" is a chanson composed by Adam de la Halle, a French poet and musician who lived in the 13th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1280s, during Adam's time in the court of Robert II, Count of Artois. The chanson is written in the form of a virelai, a popular medieval French song form characterized by a refrain that is repeated throughout the piece. "De cuer pensieu et desirant" is a three-part virelai, with each section consisting of a verse followed by the refrain. The piece is notable for its use of the "hocket" technique, in which the melody is divided between two or more voices, with each voice singing a portion of the melody in turn. This creates a lively, syncopated effect that is characteristic of Adam's music. The text of the chanson is a love song, in which the speaker expresses his longing for his beloved. The refrain, "De cuer pensieu et desirant," translates to "With a thoughtful and desirous heart," emphasizing the speaker's emotional state. "De cuer pensieu et desirant" is one of Adam de la Halle's most famous works, and is considered a masterpiece of medieval French music. It has been performed and recorded by numerous ensembles and musicians, and remains a beloved example of the rich musical tradition of the Middle Ages.

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