Minnesang

Minnesang was the tradition of lyric and song writing in Germany which flourished in the 12th century and continued into the 14th century. People who wrote and performed Minnesang are known as Minnesingers (Minnesänger).

Related Topics:
Song - Germany - 12th century - 14th century

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Minnesang had much in common with the troubadour tradition of France, and it likely stemmed from that tradition, though it developed unique features. Like the troubadors, the Minnesingers mainly sang of courtly love (this is where the Minne part of their name comes from).

Related Topics:
Troubadour - France - Courtly love

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Several of the best known Minnesingers are also noted for their epic poetry, among them Henric van Veldeke, Wolfram von Eschenbach and Hartmann von Aue. Other noted Minnesingers include Dietmar von Aist, Neidhart von Reuental, Heinrich von Morungen, and Walther von der Vogelweide.

Related Topics:
Henric van Veldeke - Wolfram von Eschenbach - Hartmann von Aue - Dietmar von Aist - Neidhart von Reuental - Heinrich von Morungen - Walther von der Vogelweide

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A number of Minnelied melodies have survived to the present day, although mainly in manuscripts dating from the 15th century or later, which may present the songs in a form other than the original one. Additionally, it is often rather difficult to interpret the musical notation used to write them down. Although the contour of the melody can usually be made out, the rhythm of the song is frequently hard to fathom.

Related Topics:
15th century - Musical notation - Melody - Rhythm

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In the 15th century Minnesang developed into and gave way to the tradition of the Meistersingers. The two traditions are quite different, however (Minnesingers were mainly aristocrats, while Meistersingers were merchants, for example).

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At least two operas have been written about the Minnesang tradition: Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser and Richard Strauss' Guntram.

Related Topics:
Opera - Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser - Richard Strauss - Guntram

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