Lars E. Laubhold: Beziehungszauber zwischen Verlangen und Verzicht

Zu Guillaume de Machauts Ballade Esperance qui m’asseüre

An analysis of Guillaume de Machaut’s ballade Esperance qui m’asseüre (B 13) evidences the same structural pattern on every formal level, namely, a confrontation of oppositional content in both the text and the music. This principle separates B 13 from preceding ballades in the Machaut manuscripts. The theme of love’s misery, which culminates in B 12, is contrasted by a—superficially—pleasant atmosphere in B 13. Through B 13’s retention of B 12’s rhyme structure, B 12’s serious mood is therefore latently present in B 13. The key to all internal correspondences—a two-part refrain—has separate influence on respective passages of the ballade; the ensuing symmetrical polarity is rigorously mirrored throughout the entire chanson. The content of B 13 is thus determined by two mutually exclusive musical principles: measured dignity permanently interrupted by impulsive eruptions. While the entire ballade seemingly centers on hope’s fulfillment through the beloved lady’s favor, it is rather hope itself, envisioned here as modest and chaste longing, which provides the inspiration for Machaut’s artistic efforts.

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