J'ay par trop longuement ayme

Claudin de Sermisy was a leading composer of French chansons in the first half of the 16th century. This secular piece, for two sopranos and tenor, is a prime example of the genre. The text, in Old French, speaks of regret for time spent in unrequited or perhaps ill-advised love. The singer acknowledges the folly and seeks forgiveness for a love that has brought little reward, contemplating where his affections have been misplaced. Sermisy’s setting captures the melancholic sentiment with a flowing melodic style typical of the era, demonstrating the chanson’s ability to convey personal emotion within its elegant structure.