Meistergesang in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Meistergesang in Music

Meistergesang is a term used in music to refer to the songs of the Meistersinger, a group of German poets and musicians in the 14th to 16th centuries. The Meistersinger were mostly burghers who composed and performed poetry for singing to melodies. The term "Meistergesang" can be translated as "mastersong" or "master singing".

The songs of the Meistersinger were characterized by their adherence to strict rules and conventions. These rules governed the structure, form, and content of the songs. The Meistersinger aimed to create songs that were both artistically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. They valued craftsmanship and skill in composition and performance.

The songs of the Meistersinger were typically performed in a competitive setting, where poets and musicians would compete against each other in singing contests. These contests were known as "singschulen" or "song schools." The Meistersinger would present their songs to a panel of judges, who would evaluate their compositions based on the adherence to the rules and the quality of the performance.

The Meistergesang tradition had a significant influence on German music and poetry. It helped shape the development of German vocal music and contributed to the establishment of a distinct German musical identity. The Meistersinger's emphasis on craftsmanship and adherence to rules can be seen as a precursor to the later development of musical forms such as opera and art song.

In summary, Meistergesang refers to the songs of the Meistersinger, a group of German poets and musicians in the 14th to 16th centuries. These songs were characterized by their adherence to strict rules and conventions and were performed in competitive singing contests. The Meistergesang tradition had a significant influence on German music and poetry, contributing to the development of German vocal music and shaping the German musical identity.