This 3-parts version of the Chant des oiseaux by Nicolas Gombert published in 1545 shows the extraordinary vogue of this song that Clément Janequin published as early as 1528 in 4 mixed voices, then in a reworked and abridged version in 1537.
Gombert also shortens the duration somewhat while retaining the order and melodic events of Janequin's first version. The polyphony, here in three voices (S. A. H.), is mostly rewritten and it is this difference with the model that is interesting. The reinvented counterpoint proves the science of the new manipulator by offering the singer a new musical garb for this Renaissance "hit".
Performance : circa 6 minutes.
