C'est à moy qu'en veult

This French chanson by Clément Janequin paints a vivid domestic scene. The text speaks from the perspective of a woman whose husband is away, and who feels unfairly accused of infidelity by a 'mean bird' who might be a rival or a gossiping neighbour. She defends herself, arguing that her heart belongs to her husband, and therefore she cannot be unfaithful. The SAAT voicing allows for rich harmonic textures, characteristic of Janequin’s mastery of the chanson form. This secular work, written for four voices, showcases Janequin’s skill in setting French poetry with wit and musicality.