L'amye a tous

Josquin des Prez’s L’amye a tous is a secular French chanson for SATTB voices. The text speaks of a lady who is “friend to all” and questions whether such a widely available person could truly be the object of sincere affection. It contrasts this with the devotion given by one who has surrendered heart and body entirely to a single, 'gracious lady'. The composer vividly portrays the textual contrasts, moving between the potentially common and the uniquely special. This chanson, with its intricate vocal interplay, is a compelling example of Renaissance part-music that explores themes of love and devotion.