TROUBADOUR Meaning and
Definition
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A troubadour refers to a medieval poet, musician, or singer who flourished during the 11th to 13th centuries. This term originates from a combination of the Old Occitan words "trobar" (to find or compose) and "dor" (a derivation of the Latin "dator," meaning giver or composer). Troubadours were primarily associated with the Occitan region of Southern France but also appeared in other areas of Europe.
These poetic artists were known for their extensive repertoire of chansons, which were usually composed in the Occitan language. The themes of troubadour poetry were diverse but often revolved around courtly love, chivalry, and political commentary. As skilled musicians, troubadours would travel among different courts, performing their compositions and acquiring patrons who would financially support their artistic endeavors.
Their music and poetry greatly influenced the development of Western European literature and culture. Troubadour tradition had a profound impact on subsequent genres such as the French trouvère poetry and German minnesang. Troubadours were crucial figures during a period of rapid cultural transformation, as they challenged traditional forms of poetry and courtly culture, introducing a new wave of entertainment and expressions of emotions.
In a broader sense, the term "troubadour" may also be used to describe contemporary singer-songwriters or performers who incorporate elements of medieval lyricism and storytelling in their music. Drawing inspiration from the troubadour tradition, these modern troubadours often fuse folk, acoustic, and narrative elements into their compositions, aiming to evoke a similar sense of emotional connection and poetic lyricism.
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Etymology of TROUBADOUR
The word "troubadour" is derived from the Occitan term "trobar" which means "to find" or "to invent". Troubadours were medieval poets and musicians who hailed from the Occitan region of southern France, where they composed and performed songs in the refined language known as "langue d'oc". The term "troubadour" came into use in the 12th century to refer to these musicians and became widely popular during the Middle Ages. The etymology of the word reflects the troubadour tradition of creating and discovering new poetic and musical forms.
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