A L’OMBRE D’UN ORMEAU

 

Brunettes & Contredanses

 

Playford, Bousset, Boismortier

 

Les Musiciens de St-Julien / François Lazarevitch

 

The Brunettes repertoire of popular 18th century songs and refrains featured in this recording is an important part of the French musical landscape, although it has so far not attracted much attention. The main reason is that it is fragile and discreet. No great displays, no feathers, no pomp - only charm, lightness and touchingly naïve; timeless French 'esprit'. Songs and dances and songs for dancing.

 

As the great Yvette Guilbert said "There are song collections dating from the 17th and 18th centuries that are marvellously, superbly written, in a distinguished and clear manner. The Parisian Frenchman of the time was keen on wit, esprit… intelligence was so supreme that if Molière was applauded by the gentlemen of the Hôtel de Bourgogne, he was also applauded by the ordinary people."

 

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