jan 1, 1520 - Mille regretz (NAWM 43)

Description:

Composer: Josquin

The title translates to “A Thousand Regrets”. It is a chanson that he potentially composed for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and presented it to him in person in 1520. After Josquin’s death, it became one of his most popular chansons, especially in Spain (where Charles spent most of his time). Each phrase of text is given a distinctive musical phrase that fits the rhythm and meaning of the words. The texture also changes from phrase to phrase, alternating between homophony and imitation, and between various combinations of two, three, or all four voices. The descending lines text paint the sadness of the song, such as on “paine douloureuse” (painful distress), and “brief mes jours definer” (my days will soon dwindle away).

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