La, la, la, je ne l’ose dire. Pierre Certon

Pierre Certon (Born ? Melun?, died February 22, 1572) Little is known of the French composer’s birth, his early years or his musical training. Certon became, in 1529, “Clerc de matines” at Notre Dame. In 1542 he was clerc at La Sainte Chapelle where he later attained the position of choir-master, a post that he held until his death. He is mentioned by Rabelais in the “Nouvear Prologue” to the second book of “Pantagruel.” Among the works of the prolific composer are approximately fifty motets, about two hundred chansons, eight masses, French psalms and canticles. The earliest records of his life date from 1527, when he was in the service of the king. In 1530 he was charged with playing ball at Notre Dame Cathedral as well as refusing to go to a service, both dangerous at the time and that almost cost him prison time — but he was young enough to be forgiven.