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This secular French chanson by Claude Martin is scored for STTB voices. It explores the internal conflict of love, where speaking of it brings pain, yet silence intensifies the suffering. The text expresses a profound dilemma: to reveal a secret love risks harsh consequences, but to conceal it leads to unbearable endurance, with death the only perceived escape. The composer captures this emotional turmoil through the four-part vocal writing, ideal for a chamber choir seeking to interpret nuanced Renaissance texts. Its intricate harmonies and melodic lines would suit a recital programme or a special occasion, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of its time.