Poulenc: Margoton va t'a l'iau

The music of Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) is a favourite of choristers around the world - both for the unique challenge his music presents to the singer, and the satisfaction a good performance can bring the listener. ‘Margoton va t’à l’iau’ comes from his 1945-46 set of eight songs, a lighthearted collection which celebrates French country life, perhaps in response to the end of the war. The stanzas all begin and end the same - opening with “Margoton went to fetch a jug of water” and closing with “‘O Dear,’” said Margoton to herself.” - and in between the story progresses, as Margoton falls into and is lifted out of a well.