Date:
Late 13th century
Description:
Tant con je vivrai is a courtly love song by Adam de la Halle, one of the most significant trouvères of the 13th century. The title translates to “As long as I live”, and the piece exemplifies the lyrical and melodic qualities of secular medieval French song, with themes of enduring love and devotion.
Discussion:
Adam de la Halle was active in Arras and later at the court of Naples, and his work bridges the monophonic trouvère tradition with early polyphony. Tant con je vivrai is one of his well-known monophonic chansons and reflects the refined poetic and musical culture of the medieval courts. While originally composed as a solo song, it has also been adapted in modern times for small vocal ensembles or instrumental performance.
This piece is a fine example of the trouvère repertory, both musically and textually elegant, and valuable for both performance and historical study.
Composer:
Adam de la Halle
Arranged by:
Various modern arrangements for solo voice, voice and instrument, or small vocal ensemble
Sheet Music:
Included in collections of medieval chansons and works by Adam de la Halle
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf or musescore file
Parts:
Originally monophonic; modern versions may have added drone or instrumental lines
Type:
Chanson / trouvère song
Language:
Old French
Ranges:
- Voice (original): approx. D4–F5
- Adaptable to various vocal ranges
Advice for beginners:
Ideal for singers beginning medieval repertoire. The melody is lyrical and not technically difficult. Focus on clarity of text and line. Familiarity with Old French pronunciation will enhance performance authenticity. Can be sung solo or with simple instrumental accompaniment such as harp, recorder, or vielle.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, soprano, alto, tenor