Faute d'argent

André Vierendeels’s chanson, Faute d’argent, is written for SATB choir. This French secular song opens with a lively, imitative texture where the voices enter one by one, creating a sense of bustling energy. The text speaks of the pain of poverty and its effect on relationships, particularly with women. The composer uses the interplay of the voices to reflect the text’s sentiment, with moments of greater homophony and rhythmic drive underscoring the message that money is essential to awaken and please a loved one. It’s a charming example of French chansons, suitable for choirs looking for engaging part-writing with a relatable, slightly witty theme.