Rossignolet (Jacobus Clemens non Papa)

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•  Posted on 2026-03-09(Posted 2026-03-09)  CPDL #88580: 

Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2026-03-09).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 91 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download. This edition is offered at original pitch for ATTB or transposed down a fourth for the same forces. Modernized French text.

• (Posted 2013-05-06)  CPDL #29040:        (Finale 2008)

Editor: André Vierendeels (submitted 2013-05-06).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 107 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Rossingnolet
Composer: Jacobus Clemens non Papa

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: STTT
Genre: Secular, Chanson

Language: French
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1545 in Huitieme livre des chansons a quatre parties (Tielman Susato), no. 28
    2nd published: 1549 in Livre 4: XXIV chansons nouvelles (Nicolas Du Chemin), no. 17
    3rd published: 1560 in Septiesme livre des chansons à quatre parties (Pierre Phalèse), Edition 1
Description: 

Original text and translations

French text Original French Roßignolet, qui chante au verd bois, n'avez point veu ma doulc' amie ? Ie l'ay perdue paßé trois mois, dont tous les jours tant il m'ennuye. Or revenez, gente fillette, car ie suis votre amy, cueiller irons la violette pour paßer tout ennuy.

French text Modern French Rossignolet, qui chantez au vert bois, n'avez point vu ma douce amie ? Je l'ai perdu passé trois mois, dont tous les jours tant il m'ennuie. Or revenez, gente fillette, car je suis votre ami, cueillir irons la violette pour passer tout ennui.

English translation Fair nightingale that sings upon the bough, Have you seen naught of my sweet maid? Three months I am without her now, And every day for her I’ve prayed. Oh do come back, my sweetest girl, for I am thy true friend, We’ll gather pinks all in a whirl And joyful times we’ll spend. Translation by T. F. Daughton

English translation

Little nightingale, that warbles in the greenwood,
Have you seen my sweet mate at all?
I lost her three months ago,
Since when, every day has been utterly tedious.
So come back again, kind girl,
Since I'm your friend.
We will go and pick violets
To banish boredom.

(trans. Timmi O'Danaos & Donna Ferrentes)