Je ne fais rien

Clément Janequin was one of the most celebrated composers of French chansons in the 16th century. His secular part-music often focused on vivid narrative and descriptive elements, though here he turns his attention to unrequited love. This three-part setting for male voices (TTB) expresses the singer's frustration and plea for affection. The text laments the singer's inability to obtain the 'gift of amorous joy' despite his constant requests, directly addressing his mistress and begging for her favour. The plaintive French lyrics lend themselves to a sensitive and expressive musical interpretation, characteristic of the chansons of the French Renaissance.