En esperant

Claudin de Sermisy was a leading composer of French chansons in the first half of the sixteenth century. His secular part-songs, often for four voices, were widely published and disseminated. En esperant is a fine example of the genre, with its clear melodic lines and gentle harmonic progressions. The SATB voicing allows for rich texture as the voices weave together. The text speaks of hopeful anticipation and the joy of reunion, a common theme in chansons of the period. The expressive French lyrics, setting a mood of longing and contentment, are elegantly shaped by the music, making this a delightful addition to any Renaissance choral programme.