Hau hau, hau le boys!

Claudin de Sermisy was a leading composer of French chansons in the first half of the 16th century. This secular four-part work, Hau hau, hau le boys!, is a fine example of the genre. The text, sung in French, is a boisterous invitation to drink wine. The composer's setting reflects the light-hearted and convivial mood of the lyrics, with lively rhythms and clear, imitative part-writing that would have been characteristic of the Parisian chanson tradition. It is a piece designed for enjoyment and social gathering, showcasing the characteristic elegance and wit of Renaissance secular music.