Introduction to the Text

This anonymous love song comes from a large songbook (called a 'chansonnier'), most likely compiled for a wealthy client between 1460 and 1470 CE. Although this song has no named composer, many of the other 160 songs do, and they show that this book sought to capture the latest trends in French songwriting. This song is a rondeau written for three voices, who were to sing their different parts simultaneously. The lyrical content - sorrow at separation from a lover - is typical for a medieval love song, but is somewhat unusual in that it adopts a woman's perspective.

Introduction to the Source

The song can be found in the Dijon Chansonnier (Dijon, Bibliothèque Municipale, 517), ff.127v-128r (new foliation: 130v-131r). The manuscript is available to view here.

Credits