Who were the performers associated with secular music in the Medieval era?

The performers associated with secular music in the Medieval era were primarily the troubadours and trouvères. These musicians were vital in the development and spread of secular music, composing and performing songs that expressed themes of courtly love, chivalry, and social commentary. Troubadours were primarily active in southern France, while trouvères were their northern counterparts, reflecting the regional differences in linguistic and cultural traditions. Their works were often melodic and lyrical, showcasing a distinct departure from the sacred music that was prevalent during the era.

While choirs and clergy were indeed involved in the performance of sacred music, they did not focus on secular themes. Minstrels and bards did perform a variety of music, including some secular songs, but their roles were less formal and varied widely. Orchestras and ensembles as we understand them today did not exist in the Medieval era, as the concept of orchestral music developed much later. Thus, troubadours and trouvères stand out as the primary figures in the realm of secular music during this period.