Peire Vidal

Who was Peire Vidal?

Peire Vidal was a troubadour. According to his biography, he was born in Toulouse, the son of a furrier, and the greatest of singers.

Peire started his career as a troubadour in the court of Raimon V of Toulouse and was also associated with Viscount Barral of Marseille, King Alfonso II of Aragon, Boniface of Montferrat, and Manfred I Lancia. He may have taken part in the Third Crusade. He was described as an erratic character, and a malicious gossip.

Forty-five of his songs have been preserved to this day. The twelve that still have melodies bear testament to the deserved nature of his musical reputation.