The four songs arranged here manifest composer Richard Rodney Bennett s omnivorous musical sourcework. La belle Au Pied De La Tour was set by Poulenc in his Chansons Francaises. L amour De Moi is an old Gallic tune that entered the French popular song canon with recordings in the 1970 s by several French singers. La Chaine was frequently sung by chanteuse Damia over the decades of her career from the early 1900 s onward. La Pauvre Mariée tells of the hardships of marriage but is set to a jolly gigue. Movements may be played separately.Composer performer and arranger Richard Rodney Bennett was internationally respected for his serious music and many award-winning film scores(Murder on the Orient Express Nicholas and Alexandra) as well as his works for children and his religious pieces. In addition this markedly versatile musician frequently performed as a jazz pianist and arranger.
