Du cueur le don

Thomas Crecquillon was a composer of the Franco-Flemish school active in the 16th century. This secular French chanson for two sopranos and two tenors reflects the characteristic style of the period, with its focus on word painting and expressive harmony. The text speaks of the lover’s heart and his loyal devotion, finding reward for his labours and seeking an end to his suffering. Crecquillon’s setting masterfully captures the sentiment of the poem, offering a rich, imitative texture well-suited to the four voices.