Chicago
Early Music
Consort

Social and political conditions in France during the early 16th century were particularly favorable to the growth of popular music. During the long reign of Francis I (1515-47), French composers developed a uniquely new song form, or chanson, that was distinctly national in both poetry and music.

Thanks to wide dissemination by several French printers, these new chansons enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout the 16th century. Hundreds of chanson transcriptions for the lute and arrangements for solo voice with lute accompaniment were also published. Hear why the French loved their chansons so dearly. Experience firsthand the “joie de vivre” in these wonderfully intimate songs!