Orlando di Lasso, born in 1532 in Mons, Hainaut (modern-day Belgium), stands as a towering figure of the Renaissance period. Recognized for his prolific output and immense versatility, Lasso’s contributions spanned various musical genres, including sacred choral music, madrigals, and chansons.
His nomadic career took him across Europe, serving in courts such as those in Munich and Mantua. Lasso’s remarkable ability to blend rich polyphony with expressive text setting elevated him to a position of eminence during his lifetime. As a composer of international renown, his works left an enduring impact on the course of Western classical music.
“Chi chi li chi,” a chanson composed by Orlando di Lasso, exemplifies his consummate skill in crafting playful and expressive secular vocal music during the Renaissance. Composed in the mid-16th century, Lasso’s chanson is situated amidst the flourishing of the Franco-Flemish polyphonic style. In comparison to contemporaneous works like Josquin des Prez’s “El Grillo” and Cipriano de Rore’s “Anchor che col partire,” Lasso’s “Chi chi li chi” displays a delightful blend of intricate counterpoint and a lively, dance-like character.
The chanson opens with a spirited and rhythmic theme, with playful vocal lines weaving in and out in a canonic fashion. Lasso’s adept use of imitation and the setting of nonsensical text contribute to the buoyant and whimsical nature of the composition. The polyphonic texture, characterized by lively interplay between the voices, creates a captivating musical tapestry. As the chanson progresses, Lasso employs subtle variations in rhythm and dynamic contrasts, adding nuance and interest to the overall structure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLmmyh6JJVA
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