This two-hour class covers the formes fixes: musical/poetic forms that together made up the dominant secular genre of French music during the 14th and 15th centuries. These three forms – ballade, rondeau, and virelai – had an influence on musical structure that has lasted to the present day, and performers and scholars of medieval music will encounter them frequently. We’ll talk about the historical context and expressive intention of each form, as well as discussing its elements (such as meter, rhyme, refrain, and melodic structure). After listening to and analyzing several examples, we’ll practice composing our own formes fixes melodies. Finally, we’ll discuss ways in which understanding the forms can help us interpret medieval pieces for modern performance.

While much of the class does not require specialized knowledge, participants should be able to listen to a recording while following along with a corresponding score, and be able to compose and notate very simple melodies without access to an instrument. Anyone who is not comfortable with these skills is encouraged to join us but may wish to focus on the poetic elements of the forms; they should plan to write simple poems instead of melodies.