Noé Faignient

Noah (Noé) Faignient (1540-1598) is a Franco-Flemish polyphonist from the Renaissance period. He is best known for his "Noe menestriers Bastiaenssone geboren van Camerijck speelman" created in 1561 in the lists of citizens' of Antwerp . Faignient had three children respectively baptized in 1561, 1575 and 1577 at the Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal).

Antwerp (Dutch: Antwerpen, French: Anvers) is a city and municipality in Belgium and the capital of the Antwerp province of Flanders. Faignient spent the majority of his years working there. No disrespect to my friend Jenne, Antwerp is a beautiful city steeped in vibrant history and a likely place for immigration not emigration.

"Adieu Anvers" (Farwell to Antwerp) is a french language secular a cappella intended for 5 voices (STTTB).

The English Lyrics read:

Antwerp farewell, farewell to the noble city
it is difficult for me to get away from you,
not because of a crime or vulgar act
but, alas, for a lady that can not be compared
neither Venus nor Helen
as is the grace that carries with it;
the pain that causes me my departure is soft,
since I will be accompanied by a beautiful lady.
Farewell Antwerp, Antwerp farewell.

Although this piece was originally written for Chorus (STTTB), I created this arrangement for Double Reed Quintet (Oboe, English Horn and Bassoons (3)).