Here you can find selected medieval pieces that are based on authentic medieval lyrics. The melodic structures in these pieces often come from modern interpretations, but the lyrics used are mostly based on medieval handed down or traditional melodies. The music in the titles “Slafest du friedel, ziere” and “Mayenzeit one neidt”, for example, are completely due to modern interpretation (apart from the lyrics). “Herr Mannelig” probably is no authentic medieval piece at all (the language used in there is not medieval Swedish), but carries enough characteristics of a medieval song and the melody itself may be older than the lyrics as well. Walther von der Vogelweides’ song “Under der linden” is an authentic theme but the melody was taken from another medieval French song that got lost over the centuries.
In terms of simple major and minor chords on the medieval lute, I explain how to do those in the segment “chord scheme” on this blog. Bare in mind, though, that chords have rarely been used in the medieval lute, except for late polyphonic music, e.g. in late 15th century pieces. Often, a more authentic way to accompany a medieval ensemble or a vocalist, will be just to play a melody around the basic theme (also called the “discantus”) or the use of Prime-Fourth, Prime-Fifth, or Prime-Octave -chords without the Third in it!
If you are just looking for medieval song-material, you can also sing these songs along with your lute-guitar, cittern, octave mandolin, etc.
Songs based on authentic melodies
Monasterial Chantings
Trouvères, Troubadours & Minstrels
Medieval Latin songs
Medieval German songs
Medieval French songs
Medieval Spanish songs
Medieval English songs
Early Renaissance songs
Songs with unclear origin of melody
Trouvères, Troubadours & Minstrels
Medieval French songs
Songs based on modern interpretation
Trouvères, Troubadours & Minstrels
Medieval Latin songs
Medieval German songs
Songs with unclear century
The Medieval Lute Blog 