The Motets of Guillaume de Machaut

Machaut, Guillaume de (c. 1300–1377), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Guillaume de Machaut, a key figure from the 14th century, stands out among French poet-composers. Affiliated with the ars nova music movement, he advanced the motet and secular forms like the rondel and ballade. After receiving his education in Reims, he served John I, Count of Luxembourg and later members of the same lineage, such as Jean, Duc de Berry. From 1337, as a canon of Reims, he devoted himself to writing, composing, and curating his manuscripts. His extensive output includes prose, narrative poems, and a treatise on poetry. Machaut’s influence reached musicians and notable poets like Christine de Pisan and Chaucer. His motets, typically in three parts, are in French or Latin. The term ‘motet’ likely originates from the French ‘mot’, hinting at a short musical vocal piece. Adjustments were made in the rhyme schemes to facilitate translations while preserving the original essence.

Author Details

Guillaume de Machaut, born circa 1300AD near Reims, France, is a major figure in late medieval music, particularly in the “ars nova” style. His diverse roles included serving as secretary to John I, Count of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, and holding positions as a canon of the Church, in cities including Verdun, Arras, and Reims. His travels across Europe with John I significantly influenced his work.

Machaut’s musical legacy is marked by versatility, and covers motets and secular songs. His “Messe de Nostre Dame” is particularly notable as the earliest complete setting of the Mass by a single composer. His rondeaux “Ma fin est mon commencement” and “Rose, liz, printemps, verdure,” and the virelai “Douce Dame Jolie” demonstrate his skill in melody and structure.

Complementing his musical accomplishments, Machaut was a prolific poet, writing about 400 poems primarily focusing on courtly love, and known for their intricate rhyme schemes. His narrative prose “dits” offer autobiographical, allegorical and philosophical content. His poetry influenced both Geoffrey Chaucer and Eustache Deschamps, who was Machaut’s pupil, and marked his mentor’s death in two notable ballades.

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Kline, A. S.

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