Chanson

Playful and gallant in mood, this song strikes a register unusual in Nadia Boulanger’s output. It is akin both to the chanson, in its simple strophic form, and to a humorous sketch. Indeed, the text, which plays on various grammatical turns of phrase, is punctuated by mischievous little laughs (“ah, ah!”) that give the performer the chance for some amusing stagecraft. The harmony could hardly be simpler: the key of G major perfectly suits the lightness of the subject, while the open fifths in the bass lend a rustic character. Small modal touches and plagal progressions also add to the charm of the whole.

© Hamelle 1914, Leduc 2003

This song was published in Volume I of the Mélodies pour voix moyenne.

© Anthony Girard