In the Middle Ages, music was an integral part of day-to-day life. During this period, many different types of musicians played their part in public ceremonies, courtly life, and even wars. In particular, some of the most important musicians of this era were minstrels, troubadours, and jongleurs.

Minstrels

Minstrels were the most widespread type of musician during the Middle Ages. These professional singers and musicians could be found in many different parts of Europe. In addition to playing popular melodies, they also often composed their own songs. The biggest minstrels of this era were known as players. These musicians specialized in writing and performing complex polyphonic pieces. They often had an extensive repertoire of songs and were popularly hired by nobles in many courts throughout Europe.

Troubadours

Troubadours were a type of musician who emerged in France around the eleventh century. These musicians composed a wide variety of romantic, religious, and court-related songs. They often wrote poems and stories that praised the exploits and deeds of knights, as well as romantic stories of love. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, their songs began to focus more on courtly love and matters of the heart.

Jongleurs

Jongleurs were similar to troubadours in that they were professional musicians. However, jongleurs tended to specialize in entertaining rather than composing music. They were often comedians and actors who performed physical feats such as juggling, acrobatics, and tumbling. They were also known for their use of puppetry and animal tricks. Jongleurs were popular at court-sponsored events such as feasts and festivals, where they provided light entertainment for guests.

These three types of musicians were the most important of the Middle Ages. Minstrels held a prominent place in society as they were hired by the nobility and wrote songs about courtly life. Troubadours specialized in romantic and court-related songs, while jongleurs provided an entertaining distraction with their physical feats and animal tricks.