word "minstrel" comes from the Latin ministerialis , which translates as "servant".However, we know it is a completely different meaning: the poet-musician, a wandering singer serenades, etc.
meaning of the word "minstrel"
total value .This term is called the poet-musicians, not only men but also women.In short, in a general sense minstrels - a professional singers of medieval Europe since the XII century (early Renaissance).They earned their living with their singing and playing various musical instruments without music.The closest in meaning to the word is a French term jongleur (juggler).Unlike our usual understanding of it is treated as a "joker", "event organizer".That is not only a musician, but also an acrobat, clown, storyteller, magician, etc.Creative artists such interpretation was so musical manuscripts minstrels almost did not survive.Modern followers of trying to somehow recreate their works, based on the literary and iconographic evidence.
medieval interpretation
modern understanding (since XX century).So called poets, musicians, who perform original songs.They can be both professionals and amateurs.
history
minstrels appeared in the XII century in the province of Provence (France).On the streets of towns and villages could be seen wandering singers and poets who sang songs composed by themselves and accompanied himself on any instrument.These roving entertainers called troubadours.This name translates from the Provençal dialect as "the art of writing."
According to sources, the singer-wanderers good living.They were popular among the common people, and among the lords feudal.If the song was to the liking of princes, it is usually generous gifts to the musician.Citizens also did not stint singers reward for pleasure.
100 years troubadour minstrels renamed.However, so called not only poets, singers, and all the brethren wandering artists: dancers, musicians, jugglers and others. That is the understanding of medieval minstrels - all roving performers, no matter what kind of art they did.
As already mentioned, the primary meaning of the word - a servant in the service.Nevertheless, in the XIII century, the term referred to a free artist, who did not in the service of someone.They traveled all over Europe, were on holidays in some areas, and their appearance is always found the locals to cheer.
Germany were strolling musicians, but they are called minnesingers - singers love.As you can see, there is a difference from the Latin interpretation, according to which the minstrels - a servant.
What minstrels singing?
They sang songs about everything: about chivalry campaigns, and of love, and betrayal, and a brave warrior and a wise king.By genres executable minstrels also treated pastorals.These works were the sketches of romantic musical about the life of rural people, particularly shepherds and shepherdesses.However, the main theme of the songs were noble and sincere feelings knight to his lovely lady.
Modernity
Today some musicians also are called "minstrel"."Who is this?"- Probably ask some uninitiated.Modern Minstrels also create songs and perform them themselves.These artists belong to a particular subculture.After a long break (3-4 century), some singers, minstrels bards became known in the 1960s.And from 1979 until the collapse of the USSR this word called Moscow newspaper of initiative.It was later created the role motion, and all the participants, who were related to him, came to be called minstrels.
