Folk Songs: Minstrels and Troubadours

Folk Songs: Minstrels & Troubadours

A glimpse into the songs that carried the heart of the Middle Ages

Spend the term discovering the music of medieval Europe through the songs of troubadours, trouvères, minnesingers, and wandering minstrels. These melodies preserved stories long before most people could write, giving voice to faith, chivalry, courtly love, pilgrimage, and the everyday hopes of medieval life.

• Explore four medieval folk songs and the traditions that shaped them, from southern France to the German-speaking kingdoms
• Learn how music preserved history, celebrated virtue, and reflected the culture of the Middle Ages
• Connect through activities, books, lyrics, listening links, and picture study

This guide is designed to be used over one term (11 weeks) with one lesson occurring each week for approximately 10 minutes. Each song includes lyrics, historical background, listening prompts, and extra helpings.

Supplies needed:

• listening device: cell phone, iPad, or computer that can follow links to song recordings or scan QR codes
• The Minstrel and the Dragon Pup by Rosemary Sutcliff (if easily accessible)
• colored pencils
• included map of medieval Europe in mid 15 century (public domain)

Recommended contemporary and complimentary studies:

History – The Symphony of History Vol. 2 Nocturne (Middle Ages)

Geography – Asia “Rising Light”

Composer – Echoes in the Cloister and Ralph Vaughan Williams and Echoes in the Courts

Poetry – Geoffrey Chaucer and Gerard Manley Hopkins and Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Picture – Giotto and John Everett Millais and Albrecht Durer

*the guide includes QR Codes for easy links, if you choose to print the document.

For printing, we recommend our print partner Humble Heart Press.

** due to the nature of digital products, we are unable to accept returns.