Clément Janequin (c.1485-1558), often spelled Jannequin in older catalogues, was a French Renaissance composer celebrated for his chansons. He worked in several French centres and became one of the most vivid secular composers of his age.

Janequin’s best-known pieces include descriptive chansons such as La Guerre, Le Chant des oiseaux and La Chasse. These works use vocal effects, imitation and energetic rhythms to create scenes of battle, birdsong and hunt.

His music is lively, pictorial and full of theatrical invention. At a time when much polyphony pursued smooth balance, Janequin could turn voices into a miniature sound-stage.

He remains one of the most immediately engaging Renaissance chanson composers. His best pieces still burst out of the page like an unruly festival crowd.