Meaning of Trouvère in Music
A **trouvère** refers to a type of medieval poet-musician who was part of a movement in Northern France that began in the eleventh century. Trouvères were known for their compositions of lyric poetry and music, often performed at the courts of nobles and aristocrats. They played an important role in the development of medieval secular music and were influential in shaping the troubadour tradition.
The term "trouvère" is derived from the Old French word "trover," which means "to find" or "to compose". Trouvères were skilled in both poetry and music, and their compositions often combined both elements. They composed songs in the vernacular language of Old French, which set them apart from the troubadours of Southern France who primarily composed in Occitan.
Trouvère songs covered a wide range of themes, including courtly love, chivalry, politics, and social commentary. They were typically performed with musical accompaniment, often featuring instruments such as the lute, vielle, and harp Trouvère songs were characterized by their melodic and rhythmic complexity, and they played a significant role in the development of polyphonic music during the Middle Ages.
Overall, trouvères were important figures in medieval music and literature, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of the time with their poetic and musical compositions.
One of a school of poets and musicians popular in northern France between the 11th and 14th centuries.
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