Trobairitzes – Working for a Song

Expanding more on the theme of women’s work,

and lesser known roles in medieval times,

brings to mind the Troubairitzes, the female version

of the male medieval Troubadours.

Often, the work of these women was secondary

only in fame to their male counterparts, and not in quality. 

The women’s works

had a lightness and intelligence of emotion,

which men might not

convey through their sung tales.  These songs

often contained wise instruction

on courtly love, or served as laments, or tales of woe in song. 

The style came from the south of France,

at a time when much was changing in women’s

lives, and more freedoms were gained,

as discussed in the article on women and the Crusades below.

Here is some interesting material in lyric form,

on these works,

which have been reproduced for modern CD listening,

  Early Women Masters. 

The lyrics are quite fascinating,

even by today’s standards,

showing how little has changed

with the passage of time.

(copyright Imogen Crest 2008.)

(Linked material is copyright to their respective authors.)