The Legacy of Troubadour Poetry and Catalan Lyricism

The Origins of Troubadour Poetry

Troubadour poetry, written in the Romance language (Occitan), was the first of its kind and maintained the cultural influence of Latin literature. Troubadours were poets who composed both music and poems for the nobility, and they were closely linked to the courts. Minstrels disseminated their compositions.

Defining Troubadour Lyricism

Troubadour poetry is characterized by:

• Poetry: Elaborate texts, strong metric structure, and rhetorical complexity.
• Lyricism: The author expresses deep feelings concerning love, death, and religion.

The lyric tradition of the troubadours began with Guilhem de Poitiers in the 12th century.

Courtly Love (12th and 13th Centuries)

Courtly love (fin'amor) was a central theme, defining the loving atmosphere within the court. Key characters in this dynamic were:

• The Troubadour (the lover, “one”).
• The Noble Lady (the object of affection, “star”).
• Her Husband (the jealous one, “gilós”).

Styles and Genres

Poetic Styles

• Trobar leu (Simple): Emotional and direct.
• Trobar clus (Closed): Hermetic, focusing on the hidden meaning of words.
• Trobar ric (Rich): Emphasizing the form of words and beautiful sound.

Common Genres

Song (canso), dance (dansa), ballad (balada), and the pastorela.

Notable Troubadours

• William of Berguedà: Known for elegant songs on the theme of love and feudal conflicts (e.g., with the Marquis de Mataplana).
• King Alfonso I of Aragon: The first king of the Catalan Crown to compose songs in Provençal poetry.
• Guilhem de Cabestany: A famous Roussillon troubadour, known for his love songs and lyrical style.
• Cerverí de Girona: Poetic name of Guillem de Cervera. He was the most important Catalan troubadour of the second half of the 13th century, addressing courtly love, the pastorela, and royal policy of his time.

The Rise of Catalan Lyricism

During this period, the focus shifted toward humanism, placing man at the center of intellectual inquiry.

The Consistory of the Gay Science

King Joan I established a poetry contest in Toulouse, known as the Consistory of the Gay Science (or Consistori de la Gaia Ciència). The winner was awarded the title of Master Gai Saber.

Late 14th Century Influences

In the last third of the 14th century, courtly poetry remained linked to the royal court, primarily using the Occitan language. While influenced by French poetry, it resisted the innovative Italian styles.

The Marc Family

The Marc family played a crucial role in this transition:

• Jaume March (“James Noble”): Ausiàs March's uncle. He was the maintainer of the Barcelona Council and authored a dictionary of rhymes.
• Pere March: Ausiàs March's father. He supported the organization of society and introduced the theme of death into poetry.

Precursors to Ausiàs March

The late 14th and early 15th centuries saw poets like Gilabert de Próixita, Andreu Febrer, and Jordi de Sant Jordi. They represented a return to the classic troubadour model but infused it with a more personal style. Febrer's work notably reflects the influence of Dante's Comedy, introducing the new Tuscan style of poetry and representing a period of literary maturity.

Ausiàs March (c. 1400–1459)

Ausiàs March was born around 1400 and served as a knight. He participated in the initial campaigns of Alfonso the Magnanimous in Corsica, Sardinia, and North Africa. He held the privileged land of Gandia and served as a royal falconer. He married Isabell Martorell (sister of Joanot Martorell) and later Joana Escorna.

March's Poetic Legacy

March composed 127 poems, primarily in the Catalan language, though some Provençalisms remain. His poetry is highly personal and realistic, focusing on loving and moral issues. A key feature is the inclusion of a signal (tornada) at the end of each composition.

• Themes:
  • Love and Suffering: His sincere, spiritual, and intellectual style often depicts love as a cause of suffering, reflecting a personality full of contradictions.
  • “Death Songs”: Addressing the destiny of the soul and the loving relationship after death.
  • Religious Subjects: Including the Cant Espiritual (Spiritual Canticle) addressed to God.