Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

ca. 1510 in France

Death

:

February 23, 1572 in Paris, France

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Pierre Certon was a French composer of the Renaissance period, born in Melun, France in 1510. He was a prolific composer, writing over 200 chansons, as well as masses, motets, and other sacred music. Certon was a member of the Chapel Royal in Paris, where he served as a singer and composer. Certon's early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he received his musical education at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. He likely began his career as a singer, as was common for young musicians of the time. It is not clear when he began composing, but his earliest surviving works date from the 1530s. Certon's music is characterized by its lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and clever word-painting. His chansons, in particular, are known for their witty and often bawdy lyrics. Many of his works were published in collections, such as the Chansons nouvelles (1542) and the Chansons a quatre parties (1559). One of Certon's most famous works is his chanson "La, la, la, je ne l'ose dire" ("La, la, la, I dare not say it"), which was a popular tune in its day and has remained a favorite of choirs and audiences ever since. The song's playful lyrics, which describe a lover's hesitation to confess his feelings, are set to a lively and infectious melody. Certon also wrote a number of sacred works, including masses and motets. His Missa "Susanne un jour" is one of his most famous compositions in this genre. The mass is based on a popular chanson of the time, "Susanne un jour," which tells the story of Susanna and the elders from the Book of Daniel. Certon's setting of the mass is notable for its use of the chanson melody throughout, creating a unified and cohesive work. In addition to his work as a composer, Certon was also a respected music teacher. He taught at the Collège de Beauvais in Paris, where his students included the composer Claude Goudimel. Certon's influence can be heard in Goudimel's music, which shares many of the same characteristics as Certon's. Certon's music was popular during his lifetime and continued to be performed and admired long after his death. His chansons were particularly influential, and many later composers, including Orlando di Lasso and William Byrd, wrote works based on his melodies. Certon's legacy as a composer and teacher helped to shape the course of music history, and his music remains beloved by performers and audiences alike.

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