Ce qui souloit

Pierre Sandrin’s chanson Ce qui souloit opens with a gentle, imitative texture across the four lower male voices. The music closely follows the contours of the French text, which laments a sudden and sorrowful change in a relationship. What once brought joy and contentment has now been irrecoverably altered, leading the narrator to accept their misfortune with a quiet resignation, lest their suffering bring pleasure to the ungrateful beloved. Sandrin’s setting is typical of the secular chansons of the French Renaissance, with its clear melodic lines and balanced part-writing. The STTB voicing allows for a rich, resonant sound, perfect for conveying the poignant sentiments of the text.