French composer Maurice Ravel’s (1875–1937) Trois chansons (“Three songs”) were written in response to World War I. Ravel deeply wished to serve his country, and wrote the songs as he waited to be drafted into the army. The texts were written by the composer himself, and are filled with dark humour and allegory. The first song tells the fairytale-like story of a girl Nicolette, who resists the temptations of a wolf and a handsome page, only to fall for an ugly old man offering her money. The music recalls 16th-century French chansons, which feature abrupt mood and character changes. (Wong Yong En)
Singapore Symphony Youth Choir
Wong Lai Foon, Choirmaster/conductor
Recorded live at the Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore on 27 May 2023.
Nicolette, à la vesprée,
S’allait promener au pré,
Cueillir la pâquerette,
La jonquille et le muguet,
Toute sautillante, toute guillerette,
Lorgnant ci, là de tous les côtés.
Rencontra vieux loup grognant,
Tout hérissé, l’œil brillant;
Hé là! ma Nicolette,
Viens tu pas chez Mère Grand?
A perte d’haleine, s’enfuit Nicolette,
Laissant là cornette et socques blancs.
Rencontra page joli,
Chausses bleues et pourpoint gris,
“Hé là! ma Nicolette,
Veux tu pas d’un doux ami?
Sage, s’en retourna, très lentement,
Le cœur bien marri.
Rencontra seigneur chenu,
Tors, laid, puant et ventru.
“Hé là! ma Nicolette,
Veux tu pas tous ces écus?
Vite fut en ses bras, bonne Nicolette,
Jamais au pré n’est plus revenue.
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Cover painting: František Kupka
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