Gaucelm Faidit

Gaucelm Faidit (sometimes Anselm ) ( * before 1185 in the Limousin Uzerche; † after 1202) was a medieval troubadour.

Gaucelm traveled with his wife as a performance artist and juggler the world until it is through some of his poems the protection of Richard of Poitou, acquired the Richard I. ascended the English throne in 1189. His dirge on this king is the only example of a Planhs over the death of a friend. Also at the court of Boniface I of Montferrat and Raymond of Azoult Gaucelm lived a long time.

From this time on Gaucelm Faidit was reckoned among the troubadours. About 70 of his songs have survived.

It is possible, but disputed whether Gaucelm participated to 1191 in the Third Crusade of 1189. It is proven that he with his employer Boniface of Montferrat I set off on the Fourth Crusade in 1202. After 1202 there is no historically documented trace of him. Speculative interpretations of some lyrics ( see F. Diez ) could indicate that he was still alive in 1220.