Composer

:

Clément Janequin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Average_duration

:

1:18

"Ma peine n'est pas grande" is a chanson composed by Clément Janequin, a French composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the 16th century and is part of his collection of chansons titled "Le Chant des Oyseaux" (The Song of Birds). The premiere of the piece is not known, but it was likely performed in the court of King Francis I of France, who was a patron of Janequin. The piece is written for four voices, with the melody carried by the soprano voice. The text of the chanson is a love song, with the speaker expressing his love for a woman and his desire to be with her. The title of the piece translates to "My sorrow is not great," and the lyrics reflect this sentiment, with the speaker saying that his love is not a burden but a joy. The chanson is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked by a lively and playful melody, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate pattern. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with the melody carried by the alto voice. The third movement returns to the lively and playful character of the first, with the voices once again weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate pattern. One of the characteristics of Janequin's chansons is his use of onomatopoeia, or the use of words that imitate the sounds they describe. In "Ma peine n'est pas grande," Janequin uses onomatopoeia to create the sounds of birds singing, with the voices imitating the chirping and trilling of birds. This technique was a hallmark of Janequin's style and helped to make his chansons popular and widely performed during his lifetime. Overall, "Ma peine n'est pas grande" is a beautiful and complex chanson that showcases Janequin's skill as a composer. Its lively and playful character, intricate vocal lines, and use of onomatopoeia make it a joy to listen to and a testament to the richness and diversity of Renaissance music.

More....