Traditional Songs from Quebec for English-Speakers is a collection of 25 hand-picked, powerful, and gorgeous songs. They range from rousing and rollicking to exquisite and heartbreaking and from widely-known to rare gems of the repertoire.

Each song is presented in French as well as in singable English with well-crafted lyrics, and each is accompanied by an introduction that adds to an appreciation and understanding of its background.

Additionally, each song includes transcriptions of the melody, as well as two interlocking, optional harmonies that can be used singly or together. Both singers and a wide variety of instrumentalists can use these beautiful arrangements. The book's introduction gives a brief, historical overview of Quebecois traditional songs, as well as a guide to the use of the book and playing of the songs. In the back of the book, you'll find lists of all the recordings and books referenced within, plus lists of festivals, camps, and gatherings where you can enjoy, hear, learn, and share in some of Quebec's rich store of traditional music. Includes access to online audio.

Introduction /Using this Book
À l’âge de seize ans / At the Age of Sixteen
Au bois, Marguerite / To the Woods, Marguerite
Aux Illinois / In Illinois
Belle, attendez-là / Maiden, Wait Here
Belle, embarquez / Maid, Come Aboard
Belle Virginie / Beautiful Virginia
Blanche comme la neige / White as Snow
Chantons la chanson / Sing a Song
Chapleau fait son jour de l’an / Chapleau Celebrates New Year’s Day
Dans Paris y’a t-une brune / In Paris There’s a Maiden
En filant ma quenouille / In Threading my Spinning Wheel
Iris, vous êtes un ange / Iris, You are an Angel
Isabeau s’y promène / Isabeau Goes A-Walking
J’ai tant dansé / I’ve Danced So Much
J’aime le vin / I Like Wine
Je sais bien / I Know Full Well
Ma mère, donnez-moi un mari / Mother, Give Me a Husband
Papillon, tu es volage / Butterfly, You are Unfaithful
Le roi a fait battre tambour / The King Sounds the Drums
La rose blanche / The White Rose
Le rossignol sauvage / The Wild Nightingale
Si l’amour prenait racines / If Love Would Take Root
Sur la route de Dijon / On the Way to Dijon
Le vieux garçon / The Bachelor
Recordings and Books Referenced in this Book
Further Information