A chanson is the French counterpart to the Italian madrigal: a popular, secular song often written for entertainment. While most chansons feature light or playful texts, Doulce Mémoire, by Pierre Sandrin, stands out for its emotional seriousness and introspective tone. First printed in 1538, it continued to circulate through manuscripts and arrangements until the 1630s—an unusually long life for a single song. Its haunting lyricism inspired generations of composers, resulting in vocal settings, parody masses, and instrumental arrangements across Europe.

The opening lines—“Sweet memory, present in my heart, / Because of you I languish in sorrow…”— frame a speaker governed by longing and emotional vulnerability. This barless transcription invites performers to respond to the expressive character of the music and text with flexible pacing and nuanced articulation. Editorial choices are minimal, limited to ficta placement, and players are encouraged to explore their own interpretive paths, embracing the creative spirit of Renaissance polyphony.