This is a traditional Angoumois song from Angoulême, Charente, France. It was written by Jérôme Bujeaud and published in the collection “Chants et chansons populaires des provinces de l’Ouest, tome 2” (Niort, 1895). It was covered by Joseph Canteloube and published in “Anthologie des Chants populaires français, tome 2” (1949). “La chanson du charbonnier” was a round dance with a quite energic tempo. Like many songs of oral tradition many different interpretations were created. It was used as a basis for other texts like Christmas ones in Franche-Comté. Pierre Louis Godeberge (b. 1953) is a conducting professor at Tours’ Conservatory and University; he arranged this version of the song for 3-part mixed voices (unaccompanied SAB). It can be easily performed by every choir and particularly by beginners. It can be performed by every size of choirs, and particularly by men choirs. Polyphony is easy to approach and the verses’ comical ribaldry to respect.
