Guillame de Machaut, believed to have lived between 1300-1377 was a famous composer and poet from the late Middle Ages, a time called the “ars nova” or new art, that defined the changes in musical style during that time. Guillame de Machaut was born in Champagne, a French province. He studied theology and for much of his life, he worked for royal families. He then became a secretary to the king of Bohemia in which he accompanied on trips throughout Europe. He later served as a church official in Remis. Because Machaut traveled so much he went to many courts and presented exquisitely decorated copies of his music to the noble patrons. His music consisted of love songs, such as “Puis qu’en oubli sui de vous” , which translates to, “Since I am forgotten by you”. …show more content…
The song, “Puis qu’en oubli sui de vous” expressed his brokenheartedness as he has been forgotten by his love. Like Machaut, English composer of lute songs John Dowland created a lute song called “ Flow My Tears” in which expresses the intense somber of someone whose spirits has been shattered. Both these songs are secular songs, highly popularized and dealt with the struggles of love. It is comparable to a modern day pop song. Both Machaut and John Dowland both emphasize the mood of their songs by using changes in melody and pitch to capture the emotion that is trying to convey. However, it is approached differently. In “ Puis qu’en oubli sui de vous” there is an low pitch range in the vocal melody, accompanied by two voices, as well as beginning with short notes and having a continuous flow that feels heartfelt.