Secular Monophony
...flourished durning the early Middle Ages through the songs
of the goliards, jongleurs,
and minstrels. Some of the most important
of these songs were those of the goliards, who were wandering scholars.
The most noted collection of goliard poems is "Carmina
Burana."
The jongleurs and minstrels were itinerant performers who entertained
with song, dance, tricks, and juggling. It is probable that the jongleurs
and minstrels helped spread the folk-song tradition that ultimately made
its way into art music.