100 Ballade, Rondeaux & Virelais
100 Ballade, Rondeaux and Virelais
15 Examples from the book
100 Ballade, Rondeaux and Virelais From the late Middle Ages
By Nigel Wilkins
I have recently read this book, was a useful look into the world of Formes fixes. These were poetic forms that were also linked to music, almost exclusively in the early 14th century but then towards the end and into the 15th century pulling away into a primarily music less form. They were centred around three main forms (although there were variations right from the beginning) which dictated the music and poetic lines. The names of the forms are as above Ballade, Rondeaux and Virelais. These forms were also shadowed to some extent in Italy, but were known in the French circle of influence, which included England and the low countries.
At the end of the book are given 15 examples of the music that went with 15 of the poems. In order to get a sense of them I produced a dorico version of the pieces from the music provided and have created this page to show the result and to help others who are interested in this sound world to get a flavour of the music, which is great. Enjoy, plus let me know what you think.
Example 1
1 Ballade by Jehan De Lescurel
Example 2
4 Rondeau by Jehan De Lescurel
Example 3
5 Virelai by Jehan De Lescurel
Example 4
Example 5
16 Ballade by Guillaume De Machaut
Example 6
17 and 18 Double Ballade by Guillaume De Machaut
Example 7
21 Rondeau by Guillaume De Machaut
Example 8
24 Virelai by Guillaume De Machaut
Example 9
26 Ballade by P. Des Molins
Example 10
29 Ballade by P. De Caserta
Example 11
31 Ballade by J. Senleches
Example 12
32 Rondeau by Anonymous
Example 13
34 Virelai by Grimace
Example 14
82 Rondeau by Guillaume Dufay
Example 15
85 Rondeau J. Legrant