Grimace (composer)

Grimace (also Grymace or Grimache) was a French composer active in the mid-to-late 14th century.

Grimace was active in the period of music history known as the ars nova and was probably a contemporary of Guillaume de Machaut, since his compositions lack the complicated rhythms of the Ars subtilior (Günther 2007). Grimace's birth and death dates are not known; little is known about him outside of attributions in medieval music manuscripts. Five works are attributed to him securely; two doubtful attributions have been proposed based on stylistic similarities. His virelai, A l'arme, A l'arme, is his most often performed work in modern times.

The works attributed to Grimace are:

• Dedens mon cuer (ballade)
• Des que buisson (ballade)
• Se Zephirus/Se Jupiter (ballade)
• Je voy ennui (rondeau)
• A l’arme/A l’arme/Tru tru (virelai)

Doubtful works:

• C’estoit ma douce (virelai)
• Rescoés: Horrible feu d’ardent desir/Rescoés: Le feu de mon loyal servant (virelai)

References

• Günther, Ursula. "Grimace". Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (Accessed May 5, 2007), <http://www.grovemusic.com>. (Subscription access)