Contre raison

Noé Faignient's chanson Contre raison is set for three voices (SAT). Its opening moments explore the dissonances and resolutions inherent in the text's emotional conflict. The music directly reflects the lover's bewilderment at being suddenly disinherited from his beloved's affection without cause. The composer uses imitative counterpoint, with voices entering sequentially, to build the musical argument. The texture is intimate, with the three parts weaving together to express the plea and confusion of the rejected suitor, who questions whether his unmerited rejection will bring his beloved any praise.