The Remedy for Fortune (Le Remede de Fortune)

Machaut, Guillaume de (c. 1300–1377), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Guillaume de Machaut, prominent in 14th century France, was a leading poet-composer associated with the ars nova musical trend. He enhanced the motet and forms such as the rondel and ballade. After his education in Reims, he served John I of Luxembourg and later Jean, Duc de Berry. By 1337, he was a canon in Reims, dedicating his time to composition, writing, and managing his collections. Besides his musical achievements, he wrote prose, narrative poetry, and notable works like the Prologue and Le Livre dou Voir Dit, detailing a possible romantic association with poet Péronne d’Armentières. Influential figures like Christine de Pisan and Chaucer were impacted by his works. Le Remede de Fortune, translated from Old French, describes a lover’s journey to contentment through resilience. One notable feature is the description of the wonders of the park at the castle of Hesdin - filled with marvellous mechanisms and devices - built by Count Robert II of Artois (1250-1302) in 1288.

Author Details

Guillaume de Machaut, born circa 1300AD near Reims, France, is a major figure in late medieval music, particularly in the “ars nova” style. His diverse roles included serving as secretary to John I, Count of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, and holding positions as a canon of the Church, in cities including Verdun, Arras, and Reims. His travels across Europe with John I significantly influenced his work.

Machaut’s musical legacy is marked by versatility, and covers motets and secular songs. His “Messe de Nostre Dame” is particularly notable as the earliest complete setting of the Mass by a single composer. His rondeaux “Ma fin est mon commencement” and “Rose, liz, printemps, verdure,” and the virelai “Douce Dame Jolie” demonstrate his skill in melody and structure.

Complementing his musical accomplishments, Machaut was a prolific poet, writing about 400 poems primarily focusing on courtly love, and known for their intricate rhyme schemes. His narrative prose “dits” offer autobiographical, allegorical and philosophical content. His poetry influenced both Geoffrey Chaucer and Eustache Deschamps, who was Machaut’s pupil, and marked his mentor’s death in two notable ballades.

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Kline, A. S.

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