This album was recorded from June 22 to 29, 2020, at the Moulin à Café in Saint-Omer, France.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's program is structured around the 'Soliloques du pauvre' (The Soliloquies of the Poor) by poet Jehan Rictus, focusing on the repertoire of the homeless, workers, prostitutes, drifters, and abandoned children.
Cultural Impact
The 'complainte' is a song type consisting of many verses that often tell a dark and tragic story, not of grand opera, but of the destitution and hunger of the poor.
Historical Context
Street musicians and singers have historically faced continuous control and bans from authorities, requiring special authorization, as exemplified by a 1923 Parisian decree.
Performer Biography
Les Lunaisiens, led by baritone Arnaud Marzorati, aim to revive forgotten French 'chansons' from their origins to the 20th century, presenting them as valuable historical and literary testimonies.
Interpretation
Stéphanie d'Oustrac, a mezzo-soprano known for her portrayal of Bizet's Carmen, takes on the role of a 'gouailleuse' (scoffing singer) for this album, drawing a parallel between Carmen and street singers.
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