Here's a breakdown of what it means:
* Poet: Troubadours composed poems, usually in the Occitan language (a Romance language spoken in southern France).
* Composer: They wrote music to accompany their poems, creating songs called "cansos."
* Performer: Troubadours traveled from court to court, performing their songs for noble patrons.
Key aspects of troubadour culture:
* Courtly love: Troubadour songs often expressed themes of idealized, romantic love, usually between a knight and a noblewoman.
* Chivalry: Troubadours celebrated the ideals of chivalry, such as courage, honor, and loyalty.
* Music: Their music was typically melodic and simple, often featuring the lute or the vielle (a type of medieval fiddle).
In a broader sense, "troubadour" can also refer to:
* Any poet or singer who writes about love and romance.
* A wandering musician or performer.
The term "troubadour" is still used today to evoke a sense of romanticism, passion, and artistic expression.