Neidhart von Reuental

This German Minnesinger served in the court of Duke Otto II of Bavaria, either Leopold of Austria or Friedrich II, and with Bishop Eberhard of Salzburg. From 1232 he was fully patronized by Duke Friedrich der Streitbare when he settled in Melk. There are sixty eight extant poems that can be attributed to Neidhart and a number of the melodies survive as well. He composed seasonal songs, summer and winter, in which an introduction describes the particular time of year. Within the content of these poems are biographical sketches as well that have no relevance to the poetry. Neidhart made clear and craftsman-like use of the strophic forms and parodied materials. Breaking from the formal language of the poetry of the court, Neidhart used common and at time crude language to emphasize a particular feeling, emotion or description. He was a great improviser of verse particularly outside of the courtly vernacular. Musically Neidhart's rhythms were directly associated with dances and the music began to influence how the language was delivered. His influence can be understood through the numerous imitations of his musical compositions. ~ Keith Johnson