Re Gilardin & Le Roi Renaud - Italian & French Song 

Vocals by Aurora Aguilar & Farya Faraji, arrangement by Farya Faraji. This is an arrangement of two different but related folk songs, one in French, the other in either a Piedmontese-accented variety of Italian, or fully fledged Piedmontese depending on who you ask. Piedmontese being a fully fledged Romance language of its own but also greatly overlapping with Italian, I'll leave it to linguists to debate whether or not the text in this song is classifiable as Piedmontese or merely Piedmontese-accented Italian; a debate coloured by much bias in Italy due to the propagandistic tendencies of some homogeonising Italians to deny the existence of the various languages of Italy like Venetian or Sicilian by fallaciously claiming them to be dialectal derivatives of Italian. I grew up familiar with the French version, and would later learn that there exist multiple versions of this same tale in Occitan, Catalan, Piedmontese, and other Romance languages of that area. The Piedmontese and French version, however, share in common a very similar starting melody, which is why I wanted to arrange them together. According to scholar Georges Doncieux, the song's motifs would have Celtic and Scandinavian origins: www.persee.fr/doc/roma_0035-8029_1900_num_29_114_5625 Whatever the exact origin of this continuum of related folk songs, they all share in common the same motif of a king dying. My purposefully uses the overlapping aspects of modern Italian and French folk music, using instruments found in both traditions: a mandolin, accordion, and dulcimer. Some versions of the French song are in duple metre, but I used the version in triple metre to match the Italian one. Interestingly, the triple metre French song shows perfect syllabic and metric correspondence with other royal-themed historical French ballads like "La Fille au Roy Louis," which likely dated to the 1600's, showing at least continuity with earlier centuries, if not roots from that era. French Lyrics: Le roi Renaud de guerre revint,
Tenant ses tripes entre ses mains
Sa mère était sur le creneau
Qui vit venir son fils Renaud. «Renaud, Renaud, réjouis-toi!
Ta femme est accouchée d’un roi.»
«Ni de ma femme, ni de mon fils
Je ne saurais me réjouir. Allez ma mère, portez devant.
Faites-moi faire un beau lit blanc.
Guère de temps m’y resterai,
A la mie nuit trépasserai. Mais faites-le moi faire ici bas,
Que l’accouchée n’entende pas.»
Or, quand ce vint sur la mie nuit
Le roi Renaud rendit l’esprit. Il ne fut guère le matin jour
Que les valets ont pleuré tous;
Il ne fut temps de déjeuner
Que les servantes ont pleuré. «Et, dites-moi, mère m’amie,
Que le valets pleurent ici?»
«Ma fille, en baignant les chevaux,
Ont laissé noyer le plus beau.» «Et, dites-moi, mère m’amie,
Pour un cheval pleurer ainsi?
Quand Renaud reviendra
Plus beaux chevaux ramenera. Mais dites-moi, mère m’amie
Que les servantes pleurent ici?»
«Ma fille, en lavant nos linceuls,
Ont laissé aller le plus neuf.» «Mais dites-moi, mère m’amie,
Pourquoi un linceul pleurer ainsi?
Quand Renaud reviendra,
Plus beaux linceuls on brodera. Mais dites-moi, mère m’amie,
Que le prêtres chantent ici?»
«Ma fille, c’est la procession
Qui fait le tour de la maison.» Or, quand ce vint pour relever,
A la messe elle voulut aller;
Or, quand arrive l’heure midi
Elle voulut faire ses habits. «Et, dites-moi mère m’amie,
Quels habits prendrai-je aujourd’hui?»
«Prenez le vert, prenez le gris,
Prenex le noir pour mieux choisir.» «Et, dites-moi, mère m’amie
Qu’est-ce que ce noir-là signifie?»
«Femme qui relève d’enfant,
Le noir lui est plus bien séant.» Quand elle fut dans l’église entrée,
Un cierge on lui a présenté.
Aperçut, en s’agenouillant,
La terre fraîche sous son banc. «Et, dites-moi, mére m’amie,
Pourquoi la terre est rafraîchie?»
Ma fille, ne puis plus le cacher
Renaud est mort et enterré.» «Renaud, Renaud, mon réconfort,
Te voilà donc au rang des morts;
Divin Renaud, mon réconfort,
Te voilà donc au rang des morts! Puisque le roi Renaud est mort,
Prenez les clefs de mon trésor;
Prenez mes bagues et mes joyaux,
Prenez bien soin du fils Renaud. Terre, ouvres-toi, Terre, fends-toi,
Que j’aille avec Renaud mon roi!»
Terre s’ouvrit, terre fendit,
Et si fut la belle engloutie. Piedmontese lyrics: Re Gilardin, lü 'l va a la guera Lü el va a la guera a tirar di spada O quand 'l'è stai mità la strada Re Gilardin 'l'è restai ferito Re Gilardin ritorna indietro Dalla sua mamma vò 'ndà a morire O tun tun tun, pica a la porta O mamma mia che mi son morto O pica pian caro 'l mio figlio Che la to dona 'l g'à 'n picul fante O madona la mia madona Cosa vol dire ch'i cantan tanto? O nuretta, la mia nuretta I g'fan 'legria ai soldati O madona , la mia madona Disem che moda ho da vestirmi Vestiti di rosso, vestiti di nero Che le brunette stanno più bene O quand l'è stai 'nt l üs de la chiesa D'un cirighello si l'à incontrato Bundì bongiur an vui vedovella O no no no che non son vedovella g'l fante in cüna e 'l marito in guera O si si si che voi sei vedovella Vostro marì l'è tri dì che 'l fa terra O tera o tera apriti 'n quatro Volio vedere il mio cuor reale La tua boca la sa di rose 'nvece la mia la sa di terra. English translation of the French: King Renaud returned from the war, carrying his guts in his hands. His mother was on the battlement; she saw her son Renaud coming. "Renaud, Renaud, rejoice! Your wife has given birth to a king." "I shall not be able to rejoice in my wife or my son. Go, mother, go on ahead; make me a fine white bed. Scarce any time remains to me: at midnight I shall die. But make it for me down here, so that (literally: she-who-is-in-childbed) may not hear." And when midnight came, King Renaud let go his soul. It was not yet the dawn of the day, and the menservants were all weeping; it was not yet time for the morning meal, and the womenservants were all weeping. "Ah, tell me, mother dear, why do our menservants weep?" "My daughter, while bathing our horses, they have let the finest one drown." "And why, mother dear, should they weep so for a horse? When King Renaud returns, he will bring finer horses. Ah, tell me, mother dear, why do our womenservants weep?" "My daughter, while washing our linen sheets*, they have lost the newest." "And why, mother dear, should they weep so for a linen sheet? When King Renaud returns, he will buy finer linen sheets. "Ah, tell me, mother dear, what is that hammering that I hear?" "My daughter, it is the carpenters repairing the floor." "Ah, tell me, mother dear, what is that ringing that I hear?" "My daughter, that is the procession leaving for Rogation." "Ah, tell me, mother dear, what are the priests singing?" "My daughter, that is the procession going around the house." Now, when it was time for her to get up again, she wanted to go to Mass; now, when eight days were passed, she wanted to get dressed. "Ah, tell me, mother dear, which dress should I wear today?" "Wear the green, wear the grey; black would be a better choice." "Ah, tell me, mother dear, why the black?" "Black is far more fitting for a women who rises from childbed." Now, when they were in the middle of the fields, three shepherds went by, saying: "There is the wife of the lord who was buried the other day." "Ah, tell me, mother dear, what are those shepherds saying?" "They are telling us to increase our pace or we will miss Mass." When she entered into the church, she was given a candle. As she knelt down, she saw fresh earth beneath her pew. "Ah, tell me, mother dear, why has the earth been turned over?" "My daughter, I cannot hide it from you; Renaud is dead and buried." "Renaud, Renaud my comfort, there you are in the ranks of the dead..." Since King Renaud is dead, here are the keys to my treasure; take my rings and my jewellery; take good care of my son Renaud. Open up, Earth, break apart, so that I may go with Renaud my king!" The Earth opened, the Earth broke apart; thus was the fair maid swallowed up. English translation of the Piedmontese: King Gilardin was in the war, Was in the war wielding his word. (bis) When he was in the middle in the street(1), King Gilardin was wounded. King Gilardin goes back home, At his mother’s house he wanted to die. Bang, bang! He thumped at the door. “O Mother, I am near to die.” “Don’t thump so hard, my son, Your wife has just given birth to a boy(2).” “My Lady my mother-in-law(3) What does all their singing mean?” “O my daughter-in-law, They want to entertain the soldiers.” “My Lady my mother-in-law Tell me, how shall I dress?” “Dress in red or dress in white, It fits brunettes perfectly .” When she came to the church gate, She encountered an altar boy: “A wish you a good day, new widow.” “By no means am I a new widow, I’ve a child in its cradle and a husband at war.” “O yes, you are a new widow, Your husband was buried three days ago.” “O earth, open up in four corners! I want to see the king of my heart.” “Your mouth has a taste of rose(4), Whereas mine has a taste of earth.”

Now that Farya officially made an italian regional song: Day 1 of waiting for Farya to make an interpretation of a tarantella

Dude! I'm piedmontese, this feels like a goddamn christmas gift! Kudos to you ✨

I originally came to this channel for the epic Greek history related songs, and I'm amazed by how much I'm learning and expanding my musical horizons. Such a beautiful and heartbreaking song. Bless you, Farya, and greetings from Athens!

I was first introduced to Re Gilardin by The Skaldic Bard. Nice to see you are also making a rendition.

Mrs. Aguilar has a cute and lovely voice and harmonizes well with you.

You made us italians and our french brothers cry with this one. You and Aurora did a terrific job, grazie❤️

L'alliance entre culture italienne (piémontaise) et française et magnifique. Merci pour cette approche. Les instruments apportent des émotions différentes. La beauté des deux langues qui sont chantées à la suite permet de découvrir le texte dans la singularité des deux pays. Petite mention à l'accordéon qui apporte une dynamique et une émotion unique dans le chant piémontais.

Je trouve ça fascinant de découvrir des versions cousines des chansons que je connais dans d'autres langues ! Merci pour cette découverte ! Et merci de garder tous ces patrimoines vivants à travers ton travail !

the song so beautiful but so sad. 10/10!

As an italian I'm so happy you sang this song that is so culturally important to us! Well done Farya!

Bravi Farya e Aurora! I am from Northern Italy and I can recognize the Piedmontese dialect. Thank you for this gem.

I’m Piedmontese and I once asked both you and The Skaldic Bard to cover some Piedmontese music and this, as well as Skaldic’s own Latin version, is really a gift to me. If you ever plan to cover music from here, I’ll gladly help you, I’m fluent in Piedmontese (koiné and Astësan) and I know a huge repertory of songs that would definitely fit you!

Merci à vous et votre chanteuse pour cette version magnifique, le Français et le Piémontais se marient si bien, vous saisissez aussi parfaitement les langues que la musique de chaque peuple c'est très juste et très beau. Je viens de découvrir votre chaîne et c'est un plaisir d'écouter tant de musiques différentes interprétées avec rigueur et coeur, à cette époque où dans tous les domaines tant de gens d'un bord comme de l'autre s'enferment dans des fantasmes paresseux au lieu de faire preuve d'honnêteté et d'efforts de recherche personnelle. Le moins qu'on puisse dire est que depuis la Révolution la France ne magnifie ni son passé ni son folklore populaire, c'est une joie de découvrir qu'ils existent cependant toujours pour des chercheurs d'où qu'ils viennent. Et outre les beaux moments musicaux et les exposés passionnants, merci pour ce moment de rigolade où l'on peut voir un musicien au physique de prince persan interrompre son érudite et savante explication pour sacrer en français québécois sur son chaton mignon.

Damn, this is an extremely tragic song. Nice work once again Farya

Charmant, et doux aux oreilles! Magnifiquement exécuté, et vos voix son merveilleuses!

Why are you so darn talented? But seriously, you do such a phenomenal job with your music!! The research, vocals, instruments, all perfection!

De la découverte de cette chanson chez Skaldic Bard jusqu'ici, C'est un pur plaisir d'entendre cette chanson à nouveau, merci Farya, et que Vive le Roy!

Finally, another (half) italian banger from Farya, i've been waiting for this, incredible as always🔥

Magnifique ! Le dulcimer sur cet air triste est splendide sans pour autant éclipser le chant, bravo ! 👏👏👏

Je trouve que vous vivez au travers de diverses cultures et de diverses époques et tout ca, ca fait part de vous. Mes compliments, il n'y a pas assez de personnes comme vous.

This is the most beautiful song you’ve done. Bravo, a Farya chòir

Spending every time I can here, listening to the lovely music of your channel. Hope all of them are already fixed in memory, so even when I cannot listen to it here anymore, I can on my heart and mind

Absolutely incredible! Keep up the good work.

Juste magnifique

The moment I was waiting for: Farya singing in Piedmontese, my regional dialect. Love and greetings from Turin❤❤.

My most favorite piece from you so far. Alas, it is too beautiful and haunts my heart day and night.

As a (french) fan of "Le Roi Renaud", i'd like to thank you for this very well done version.

Cette chanson est triste à mourir, mais belle à pleurer. Encore merci Farya de faire vivre de tels chefs d'œuvre.

I know this song in Yves Montant's rendition, it always brought tears to my eyes.

Such a beautiful one, bravo!

I m named Renaud after this song. Really great interpretation, you sing like a native speaker,, it's impressive. Thank you.

Grazie!

Thanks for all ur work, ur musics are always masterpieces, from France, Nice,(at the border with italy).

The last lines ‘your mouth tastes of rose, and mine of earth’ remind me of lines from the French song ‘Quand Je Menais Mes Chevaux Boire’- “Vois ma bouche est pleine de terre/ Et la tienne est pleine d'amour” Both are so tragic and romantic to me!

papi is back love it very poetic interpretation 🥰

Superbe interprétation, comme toujours ton travail est une merveille, inspirant et émouvant! Comme beaucoup de chansons interprétées par le poème harmonique, je la connais par cœur de l'avoir écoutée pres de la moitié de ma vie, et comme l'autre jour avec "la fille au roy Louis" l'ai chantée avec toi du bout des lèvres! Seulement ne la connaissant qu'avec leur style baroque c'était assez déstabilisant de ne pas entendre le meme accent qui me venait x')

Farya, how do you make and upload these amazing videos so fast?

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful

Wow! So peaceful. Love it.

I never counted how many times I listened to this song already... but if I was counting, I'd have for sure lost count by now

I'm French, your accent, the quality of your songs makes me jealous of your talent. That's better than some french singers.

Absolutely beautiful, love the mix of languages ! Thank you

Одна из прекраснейших работ Farya Faraji и Aurora Aguilar

11 minutes de frisons. Merci.

This is so gloriously haunting I had to listen to it again immediately after the first listen. Gorgeous!

Oh Roi Renaud, oh Re Gilardin, don't make men cry like babies with this song!

So beautiful..

Estie, Farya. T'as tu vendu ton ame au diable ou quelque chose? C'est pas possible de sortire des banger comme ca presque chaque deux jours!

Great song.

I guess I'll need to decide whether the Skaldic Bard's version or this is my favorite rendition of this song. Not the worst problem to have!

In 3 days, 2 languages songs, without a single misspell, are u a singing god? 😂 (The italian part is perfectly sing, congratulation)

Excellent cover

Beautiful

Une de mes chansons préférées reprise par Faraji, et c'est même pas mon anniversaire. Trop bien 🥹

One of my favorites. Thank you from Italy

magnifique comme toujours.

Un super chant , bravos

inb4 someone says that you're culturally appropriating French-Italian history whilst they're eatin' deep pan pizza w/ escargot.

I do love and appreciate culture. I like to learn and expand my horizons.I am also someone who grew up with the internet.... That's why I First read" Le Roi Jenkins"

Very nice!

Free translation in combination of both versions in English Here is king Renaud back from the wars His mother greets her son, wounded sore Renaud, O Renaud, cling to your life Your son is just born to your loving wife Mother, O Mother, death comes for me soon Lay me on a winding-sheet that I may swoon Keep me away from my lady and son They must not hear screams as my time is done The bell that tolled midnight at his life’s end The servants all wept as duties they tend Good-mother, good-mother why do folks weep? ‘Tis nothing my daughter, go back to sleep Good-mother, good-mother why weep they for naught? When Renaud returns, all things shall be bought Good mother, good-mother, how should I dress? In blue, in white, maybe black would be best She went to the church and heard with much dread The mass being sung was the prayers for the dead Who then has died, for whom do they sing? Fair widow, they sing for your husband, the king Good-mother, good-mother, take care of my son, And open the earth I may join my loved one The earth opened up to let her within That she might go on to be with her king.

Incredible

This isn't the French-Hungarian temperate climate music, but its close enough for me French-Italian Piedmontese? I'm taking it!

thank you .

So magic👏👏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐👏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Keep up the good work! 🙌

Very nice, thank you

Sublissime ❤😍😍😍❤️

Encore magnifique gg

New song for the soundtrack of my life, what a blessing

Merci encore pour ton travail, tu roxx du poney copain

"King Renaud returned from the War, carrying his guts in his hands" I've rarely heard the beginning of a song as metal as this 😢

No se quien eres, no se cuales son tus objetivos ni que quieres, pero si querias que me enamorara de esta cancion lo has conseguido y lo has hecho tan jodidamente bien que me das miedo😮😮😮

Somehow such songs represend a deep emotional truth, eventhough they use supernatural language-symbolisms.

He has a perfect italian accent😮

Lovely keep it up ❤

Nice greetings from Ariosofia 🍸🍸🍹🍹

nice

Hello faryaa greatings From Turkey!!

Le roi Renaaaaaaaaaud de guerre revint
 Tenant ses tripes entre ses maaaains Lü 'l va la guera tirar di spada... Pobre Rei Gilardino, foi à guerra tirar de espada e as tripas caíram no chão... And I just come here over and over, travelling in the world that this song paints in my mind/heart

Nice

La passion nous mène si loin. C la chanson en Roumain qui m'a fait venir ici. Comment fais-tu pour prononcer si bien toutes ces langues ?? Je chante en farsi, j suis Roumaine et je chante dans plusieurs langues, je vis en 🇨🇭 Suisse. Heureuse de te rencontrer ici, âme universelle, Farija.

Pleese more italian music

I was just listening to Bards Latin version lol

Some people are very fond of french music, cuisine and language.

👍

Brothers make songs about greek and roman emperors will be fire like belisarius..

Kinda weird to see my name here but a welcome gift nonetheless!

Toussaint vibes

شاهکار

Just as i visited north Italy

Mama Mia

Dang! The king's wife was so distraught, she left her son behind to die and be with him! Brutal! You got to feel bad for that couple!

Can you not I'm trying to work here 😡

Pov you french italian homie had a breakup

farya try some nepali next time

Si je pouvais péter dans l'éther pour que ça donne de la musique bonne de même, je serais content

Un peu de français mercii

first