Date:
Early 16th century (circa 1500–1520)
Description:
Ah, come c’est chose belle is a Franco-Flemish chanson that celebrates the beauty and allure of love. The title translates to “Ah, how beautiful a thing it is,” reflecting the Renaissance fascination with love’s joys and complexities. It is elegant and lyrical, with a flowing melodic line typical of the chanson style.
Discussion:
This chanson is often attributed to the French or Franco-Flemish school, possibly by Antoine de Févin or another contemporary composer. It demonstrates clear polyphonic writing with each voice contributing to the gentle texture. While less well-known than some courtly chansons, it appears in several Renaissance songbooks and is appreciated for its grace and melodic charm. The piece is well-suited for both vocal and instrumental performance.
Composer:
Anonymous or possibly Antoine de Févin (c. 1470–c. 1512)
Arranged by:
Various editors; arrangements exist for SATB voices, lute and voice, and recorder consort.
Sheet Music:
Available in early music collections and on IMSLP and CPDL under Renaissance chansons.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf or musescore file
Parts:
Originally three or four voices (Superius, Contratenor, Tenor, sometimes Bassus)
Modern editions often adapt to SATB or SSA.
Type:
Secular Chanson
Language:
French
Ranges:
- Soprano (Superius): C4 – G5
- Alto (Contratenor): A3 – D5
- Tenor: F3 – A4
- Bass (if included): C3 – E4
(Range may vary with edition.)
Advice for beginners:
Focus on smooth legato lines and clarity of French diction. Since the rhythms are subtle and fluid, singing with precision and sensitivity to phrasing is key. Blend and balance are especially important in polyphonic texture. Instrumentalists can also enjoy this piece, especially in consort settings.
Sound Files:
Here is a sound file for reference. mid