Who performed secular music in the middle ages? And why did knights hum while jousting?

Secular music in the Middle Ages was a vibrant and essential part of medieval culture, performed by a variety of individuals and groups across different social strata. Unlike sacred music, which was primarily associated with the Church and religious ceremonies, secular music was created for entertainment, storytelling, and social gatherings. This article explores the diverse performers of secular music during this period and delves into the intriguing question of why knights might have hummed while jousting.

The Troubadours and Trouvères

Among the most famous performers of secular music in the Middle Ages were the troubadours and trouvères. Originating in the Occitan-speaking regions of southern France, troubadours were poet-musicians who composed and performed songs about chivalry, courtly love, and heroic deeds. Their northern counterparts, the trouvères, emerged in the French-speaking regions and shared similar themes in their music. These performers were often of noble birth or were supported by noble patrons, and their songs were typically accompanied by instruments such as the lute, vielle, or harp.

The Minstrels and Jongleurs

Minstrels and jongleurs were another significant group of secular musicians. Unlike the troubadours and trouvères, who were often of higher social standing, minstrels and jongleurs were typically itinerant performers who traveled from town to town, entertaining audiences in castles, taverns, and public squares. They performed a wide range of music, including ballads, dance tunes, and instrumental pieces. Jongleurs, in particular, were known for their versatility, often combining music with acrobatics, juggling, and other forms of entertainment.

The Goliards

The Goliards were a unique group of secular musicians, often associated with the medieval universities. These wandering scholars and clerics composed and performed satirical and irreverent songs that critiqued the Church and society. Their music, often written in Latin, was characterized by its wit and humor, and it provided a stark contrast to the more solemn sacred music of the time.

The Role of Women in Secular Music

Women also played a significant role in the performance of secular music during the Middle Ages. Female troubadours, known as trobairitz, composed and performed songs that expressed their own perspectives on love and courtly life. These women were often of noble birth and used their music to navigate the complex social dynamics of the medieval court. Additionally, women in lower social strata, such as tavern singers and dancers, contributed to the secular music tradition by performing in more informal settings.

The Knights and Their Humming

Now, to address the curious question of why knights might have hummed while jousting. Jousting was a highly ritualized and physically demanding activity, often accompanied by music to set the tone and rhythm of the event. Knights, who were trained in the arts of war and courtly behavior, might have hummed to calm their nerves, focus their minds, or synchronize their movements with their horses. Humming could also have been a way to invoke courage or to communicate with their squires and fellow knights during the heat of the competition. While there is no definitive historical evidence to confirm this practice, it is a fascinating possibility that adds another layer to our understanding of medieval secular music and its performers.

Conclusion

The Middle Ages were a rich and diverse period for secular music, with a wide array of performers contributing to its development and dissemination. From the noble troubadours and trouvères to the itinerant minstrels and jongleurs, and even the irreverent Goliards, secular music was an integral part of medieval life. Women, too, played a crucial role in this musical tradition, both as composers and performers. And while the image of knights humming while jousting remains speculative, it serves as a reminder of the many ways in which music permeated every aspect of medieval society.

Related Q&A

Q: What instruments were commonly used in secular music during the Middle Ages? A: Common instruments included the lute, vielle, harp, recorder, and various percussion instruments like drums and tambourines.

Q: How did secular music differ from sacred music in the Middle Ages? A: Secular music was primarily for entertainment and social gatherings, often featuring themes of love, chivalry, and satire, whereas sacred music was used in religious ceremonies and focused on worship and devotion.

Q: Were there any famous female composers in the Middle Ages? A: Yes, notable female composers included the trobairitz, such as the Countess of Dia, who composed and performed their own songs.

Q: What role did music play in medieval courts? A: Music was a central part of courtly life, used for entertainment, ceremonies, and as a means of expressing courtly love and chivalric ideals.

Q: How did the Goliards influence medieval music? A: The Goliards brought a unique satirical and irreverent perspective to medieval music, often critiquing the Church and society through their songs.