MINNESINGER Meaning and
Definition
-
A Minnesinger refers to a medieval German poet-composer who flourished during the 12th and 14th centuries, particularly the High Middle Ages. The term "Minnesinger" is derived from the Old German term "Minne," which denotes "courtly love" or "romantic love," reflecting the central theme of their poetic oeuvres. These poet-musicians were associated with the genre of Minnelied, which refers to lyric poetry composed in Middle High German.
In essence, a Minnesinger was an esteemed figure who belonged to the noble or knightly class, showcasing their poetic skills through compositions that primarily revolved around themes of courtly love, chivalry, and devotion to a noble lady. Their poetry often centered on unrequited or impossible love, exploring idealized and censored expressions of emotion. These verses primarily featured a rhymed and metric structure and were typically sung or performed alongside a musical accompaniment, with the Minnesinger often playing an instrument himself.
Minnesingers composed and performed their works within the context of aristocratic courts and sophisticated social circles, using their poetic skills to entertain and impress their patrons. As influential figures, Minnesingers played a pivotal role in shaping the medieval artistic and cultural landscape, introducing new themes and poetic forms. Furthermore, their compositions served as a significant precursor to the development of troubadour poetry in other European regions. Though the era of Minnesingers eventually faded, their impact on literary history remains profound, making them an integral part of medieval German cultural heritage.
Common Misspellings for MINNESINGER
Etymology of MINNESINGER
The word "Minnesinger" derives from the German term "Minnesang", which is a combination of "Minne" meaning "love" or "affection", and "Sang" meaning "song".
Minnesingers were medieval German lyric poets and singers who composed and performed love songs, praising the beauty and virtues of their noble patrons and expressing emotions of courtly love. The tradition of Minnesang emerged in the 12th century and continued until the late 14th century. The term "Minnesinger" thus refers to these poets who sang songs of love.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
