Je file quand on me donne de quoy or Je file quand dieu me donne de quoy

Philip van Wilder was a Franco-Flemish composer active in England in the mid-16th century. This secular chanson, Je file quand on me donne de quoy, showcases his skill in word-painting, with the repeated 'Je file' ('I spin') giving the piece its literal meaning and a gentle, rhythmic pulse. The text describes a woman spinning when given the means, finding love in a garden, and engaging in various lively activities like dancing, singing, and tending sheep. The chanson is presented in a rich five-part texture, with alternating voicings of SSTTB, SATTB, and SAATB, offering flexibility for performance and a full, resonant sound. The French lyrics provide a charming and evocative narrative.