TROUVERE Meaning and
Definition
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Trouvère is a term derived from the Old French word "trover" which means "to find" or "to invent." It refers to a poet, singer, or composer of lyric poetry and music, who flourished predominantly in Northern France during the Middle Ages, between the 12th and 14th centuries. Trouvères were part of a literary and musical movement that paralleled the troubadours of Southern France.
A trouvère was typically a noble or a member of the higher social class, who would compose and perform romantic and chivalrous poems and songs. Their compositions usually revolved around themes of courtly love, valor, and the ideals of knightly behavior. The trouvères wrote in the Old French language and employed complex metrical structures such as laisses and vers réguliers.
These poets-musicians played an essential role in the development of medieval literature and music. They traveled from court to court, entertaining noble audiences with their skillfully crafted verse and music. Trouvères also established a tradition of written manuscripts, preserving their works for future generations.
The troubadours and trouvères, while sharing similarities, had distinct regional differences in both their language and style. Trouvères focused more on the narrative aspect of their compositions, a style that later influenced French theater and prose writing.
Despite their historical significance, trouvères gradually declined in popularity by the 14th century, as other musical traditions and literary forms emerged. Nevertheless, their legacy lives on through their surviving works, which provide invaluable insights into the cultural, social, and artistic milieu of the Middle Ages.
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One of a class of early descriptive poets, epic in their form and style, who flourished in the N. of France.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TROUVERE
Etymology of TROUVERE
The word "Trouvere" has its roots in Old French. It is derived from the combination of two words: "trouver" (meaning "to find" or "to discover") and "trover" (meaning "to compose" or "to invent").
In the context of medieval France, Trouveres were poet-musicians who composed and performed narrative verse songs, often accompanied by simple musical instruments. They were prominent during the 12th and 13th centuries and were similar to Troubadours, who were their counterparts in the southern regions of France.
The Trouveres primarily composed in the Old French language and their songs covered a wide range of themes including courtly love, chivalry, adventures, and historical events. These songs were popular among the nobility and played a significant role in shaping the development of French literature and music.
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