Minstrel |

French menestrel, from Late Lat. ministerialis – in the service; English – minstrel

Originally in the Middle Ages. France, England and other countries, persons who served with a feudal lord or a noble lord and performed any special under him. duty (ministerium). M. – itinerant prof. instrumentalist and singer in the service of a troubadour. His duties included singing the songs of his patron or accompanying the singing of the troubadour on the stringed bowed instrument viele. M. were carriers of Nar. music art-va, influenced the work of troubadours, gave them production. traits of people songliness. The name “M.” often extended to courtiers and itinerant troubadours. From the 13th century the term “M.” gradually becomes synonymous with the term “troubadour”, and then – “juggler”. In the 13th century M.’s schools already existed, functioning during the fast established by the church, when M.’s performances were forbidden. In order to protect their rights, urban artisans united in “brotherhoods,” similar to guild corporations of artisans. In 1321 such a “brotherhood”, the so-called. menestrandia, became famous in Paris. In order to become a member of the “brotherhood”, it was necessary to pass a special exam (women were also accepted). In 1381, a corporation of Minstrels was formed in Staffordshire, England, under the name Minstrel Court, headed by the “King” of M. From the 14th century. M. was called both “sedentary” and itinerant musicians who performed in rural areas, at fairs. From con. 14th c. M. – prof. musicians who compose music for dancing and accompany them by playing an instrument. In 1407 M. received a patent from King Charles VI, which strengthened their position to the end. 18th century The term “M.” was revived in the 19th century. romantic poets. schools. V. Scott published coll. nar. ballad “Minstrelsy of the Scottish border”, 1802-03), wrote the poem “The Song of the last minstrel” (“Lay of the last minstrel”, 1805).

I. M. Yampolsky