Frère Thibault

This chanson by Pierre Certon opens with a humorous and somewhat bawdy scene involving a monk, Frère Thibault, and a woman. The text describes the woman attempting to enter the monk's room through a trellis, but getting stuck. The monk, not concerned with her arms, chest, or head, insists she must pass her backside through or leave, humorously stating he cannot entertain her without it. Set for SATB and ATTB voices, this piece is a fine example of secular French part-music from the Renaissance, offering a lighthearted and narrative-driven musical setting.