In 1915, German armies occupied much of France, and Paris fell under aerial bombardment via Zeppelin airships and mono and biplanes. Throughout Europe, civilians were displaced.
In December of 1915, Claude Debussy composed the brief popular song, Noël des enfants qui n’ont plus de maison (“Christmas for Children Who No Longer Have a Home”). The raging words, also written by Debussy, form a prayer for French children, orphans, and the homeless. It is part Christmas carol, part defiant, vengeful anthem.
This was Debussy’s final song. Cancer would claim the composer’s life in 1918. The diatonic harmonic language resembles the songs of Gabriel Fauré.
This performance features the French soprano, Véronique Gens, accompanied by Roger Vignoles:
Recordings
- Debussy: Noël des enfants qui n’ont plus de maison, CD 147, L. 139, Véronique Gens, Roger Vignoles Amazon
Featured Image: French refugee children during the First World War, photograph by Lewis Hine