Grace et vertu

Tielman Susato was a prominent composer and music publisher in the Low Countries during the Renaissance. His chansons, such as Grace et vertu, represent a significant body of secular part-music from the era. This work, set for three voices (STB), is written in French. The lyrics speak of the singer's admiration for his beloved, praising her grace, virtue, kindness, beauty, and nobility. He expresses his displeasure at hearing her spoken ill of and his hatred for anyone who would harm her honour. The music likely reflects the text's devotional and protective sentiment, characteristic of the French chanson tradition.