Originally published in 1534, Il est bel et bon is a lively French chanson known for its playful, rhythmic text and imitative vocal lines, which mimic the clucking of chickens. The lyrics humorously depict a conversation between two women discussing their husbands, with one praising her spouse for his domestic skills. Passereau’s chansons often featured rustic wordplay and quick rhythmic patterns, making them fun and engaging for singers and instrumentalists alike.

My transcription for four recorders is intended to enhance musical phrasing and interpretation by removing bar lines, allowing performers greater flexibility in shaping the piece. A slight relaxation of tempo at cadences adds expressiveness, and articulations and tempo markings have been included as suggested interpretative elements rather than original features. My choice of metronome marking of whole note = 86 bpm reflects my interpretation of the tactus, the steady pulse that underpinned Renaissance music.