French Chanson

French Chanson, arranged by Steven J. Pyter, is a rousing arrangement of a famous 16th-century choral work. The tuneful Renaissance art song tells a light-hearted story of gossip and rumor, with lyrics roughly translating to “I will tell you!” The story centers around a jealous husband suspicious of his beautiful wife. Like opera, the piece employs dramatic and whimsical characteristics to tell a passionate story. This arrangement alternates between tutti statements and short interludes to feature each instrument family in the band—woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The intensity and playfulness make for a great concert opener! (1:40)