Auvergne Songs - Series 1, No.2

Composed by Joseph Canteloube, Báïlèro is part of the first series out of five, from Songs From The Auvergne. It is the most famous song of the series, and this edition was written for Soprano Solo, Tenor Solo and SATB. The lyrics are in local dialect “Occitan”and have the French translation below, they consist of questions asked to the báïlèro.

The piece is introduced by the SATB singing slowly and in a contemplative way, with a strict tempo. The Soprano solo then starts with the lyrics, followed by an SATB transition towards the Tenor solo. The piece is then replayedwith no introduction and different lyrics to finish with all the voices in perfect harmony.

Joseph Canteloube (1879-1957) was a French composer, musician and author, mainly known for his folk songs and for the series 'Songs from the Auvergne' inspired by the area his family was from.