Guillaume de Machaut

Medieval French Composer and Poet

Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300–1377) was a medieval French poet and composer, who is a central figure in the music of the 14th century. He was one of the earliest composers on whom significant biographical information is available. Machaut is best known for his "Messe de Notre Dame," which is one of the earliest known complete settings of the Ordinary of the Mass attributable to a single composer. His work is considered exemplary of the Ars Nova style of music that flourished in France and the Burgundian Low Countries in the late Middle Ages. He wrote in a wide range of styles and forms and his output includes motets, lais, virelais, rondeaux, and ballades. Machaut's poetry was highly esteemed by his contemporaries and has had a lasting impact on the tradition of courtly love literature. His musical innovations were equally influential, setting a precedent for composers who followed.