This edition was prepared by Philip Legge — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Chant des Chemins de fer
Staff Notation • Secular, Cantatas
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Chant des Chemins de fer by Hector Berlioz — Lyrics
C’est le grand jour, le jour de fête,
Jour du triomphe et des lauriers.
Pour vous, ouvriers,
La couronne est prête.
Soldats de la paix,
C’est votre victoire ;
C’est à vous la gloire
De tant de bienfaits.
C’est le grand jour, etc.
Les cloches sonnent dès l’aurore,
Et le canon répond sur les remparts.
Sous l’oriflamme tricolore
Le peuple accourt de toutes parts.
C’est le grand jour, etc.
Que de montagnes effacées !
Que de rivières traversées !
Travail humain, fécondante sueur !
Quels prodiges et quel labeur !
Read full lyrics
About Chant des Chemins de fer
Berlioz’s Chant des Chemins de fer opens with a sense of bustling energy, immediately establishing a festive and triumphant mood. The composer’s characteristic dramatic flair is evident in the powerful and expansive lines, reflecting the celebratory nature of the text. The French lyrics speak of a great day of victory and reward for the labourers, soldiers of peace who have achieved great works. The music swells with pride and joy as the text describes the nation coming together, the sounds of bells and cannons, and the marvels of human achievement and engineering. Berlioz crafts a jubilant anthem for mixed chorus (SSTTBB) that celebrates progress and the future.
