Le Jeune – Revoici venir du printemps (c.1580)

Claude Le Jeune (c. 1530–1600), a key figure in the French Renaissance, composed during a time when music was transitioning from the Renaissance to the early Baroque period. In the late 16th century, he shared the musical stage with notable composers like Orlando de Lassus and Giovanni Gabrieli, contributing to the flourishing polyphonic style of the era.

“Revoici venir du printemps” is one of Le Jeune’s notable chansons that captures the essence of the French Renaissance. In this piece, Le Jeune adeptly weaves intricate vocal textures, using expressive word painting to bring the imagery of spring to life. The chanson reflects the evolving styles in madrigals and chansons during this period, highlighting Le Jeune’s skill in harmonically expressing the vibrant atmosphere. Comparable to the innovations of Italian madrigalists like Luca Marenzio and the Franco-Flemish school, “Revoici venir du printemps” provides a snapshot of the dynamic musical scene in late Renaissance France.