Deux vrays amantz

Pierre Certon was a French composer of the Renaissance, known for his secular chansons. This setting for SATB voices of a French text explores the idea of two true lovers sharing a single will. The lyrics express a noble sentiment: that honour is preferable to sorrow, for in the end, both the soul and the body are lost if honour is abandoned. Certon's musical setting reflects the clarity and elegance typical of the chanson tradition, with careful attention paid to the declamation of the text. The contrapuntal lines of the SATB writing are accessible, making this an attractive choice for choirs looking to perform French Renaissance secular part-music.