Virelai

A Virelai (from Old French virer, " turn " or " turn " ) is a medieval dance and love song. Since about 1450 it was established as an independent poem without music. His Spanish counterpart is the Villancico.

It is next to the ballad and the Rondeau one of the three formes fixes ( fixed forms ) of the old French poetry. This is a rather free form, are not prescribed in the number and length of verses; but usually only two rhymes are used.

The Virelai was from the 13th to the 15th century one of the most widespread types of songs. Guillaume de Machaut was one of the masters of the form, 33 of his creations have been preserved. Some of the oldest Virelais come from Jehannot de Lescurel († 1304); Guillaume Dufay († 1474 ) stands at the end of the tradition.

Example

Douce Dame Jolie by Guillaume de Machaut