L'histoire de Malbrouk

Vincent d'Indy’s arrangement of the well-known French folk tune L'histoire de Malbrouk is here set for SSATTBB voices. The piece opens with a simple, clear statement of the melody, which is then passed between the vocal parts, creating a rich texture. The repetitive, almost conversational refrains of mironton, tonton, mirontaine lend a distinctive character to the setting. The text tells the familiar story of the soldier Malbrouk going off to war, his uncertain return, and the anxious waiting of his wife, culminating in the arrival of a messenger. D'Indy’s arrangement skillfully captures the narrative’s blend of folk simplicity and underlying pathos.