Chanson Du Mal Aime

"La Chanson du Mal Aime" ["Song of the Unpopular One"] is an outstanding oratorio by Leo Ferre, who undertook setting to music this famous poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. The anarchist poet wholly dedicated himself to writing this piece over a full year (1952-1953), eventually getting support from Prince Rainier of Monaco, who helped it see the light of day. It unveils the full musicality and poetic powers of Apollinaire as well as Leo Ferre's vertiginous ability to compose classical music themes (at the time he was thought of being only a songwriter). Jean-Baptiste Mersiol tells us the story of "La Chanson du Mal Aime", which was to become Ferre's signature song.