Cueurs desolez par toute nation

A poignant example of secular Renaissance part-music, Josquin des Prez's Cueurs desolez par toute nation would be fitting for a moment of collective sorrow or remembrance. The French text directly addresses hearts in despair, urging them to assemble their grief and lamentation rather than seek solace. It speaks of abandoning earthly joys in favour of deep desolation. The composer masterfully sets this mood for SATTB voices, creating a rich and expressive texture. Intriguingly, the tenor line echoes the sorrowful words of Jeremiah from the Lamentations, reinforcing the overwhelming sense of sadness and loss pervading this chanson.