Long before pop ballads, the Renaissance had its own soundtrack to love. French Kiss brings together French chansons from the 16th century in which seduction, devotion, desire and obscenity are approached with stylistic finesse and supreme technical skill. Leading polyphonists such as Clément Janequin, Josquin des Prez and Orlandus Lassus sing the entire spectrum of the heart, from courtly flirtation to existential heartbreak, subtle eroticism to blatant farce. The programme is also scattered with striking arrangements of modern repertoire. Eight voices and a luscious continuo of piano, lute and four viols combine centuries of music into one magnificent rainbow swirl!
Program
Chansons by C. Le Jeune, G. Costeley, C. Janequin, C. Non Papa, C. de Sermisy, C. de Rore, J. des Prez, N. Le Petit, O. Lassus, N. Gombert
Performers
Geoffroy Jourdain, artistic leader | Les Cris de Paris