À la fontaine

Adrian Willaert was a central figure in the development of Renaissance polyphony, and this chanson, À la fontaine, is a fine example of his secular vocal writing. Scored for an impressive double choir of SATTTB and SAATTB, the work explores a light-hearted French text. The lyrics describe Margot bathing by a meadow fountain, her lover passing by and playfully questioning her activity. She replies that she is watering her parsley and her little smiling flower. The composer uses the multiple vocal lines to create a rich and dynamic texture, reflecting the playful and amorous subject matter with intricate contrapuntal interplay.