French singer Édith Piaf was one of the most dynamic performers of the 20th century. Born into poverty, she led a turbulent life before channeling her experiences into art that resonated with the entire world. Her legacy was cemented by songs like "La Vie en Rose," "Non, je ne regrette rien," and "La Foule."
The emotional impact of her singing resonates today and has made the latter another viral hit on TikTok and Instagram. But although she is known as being a bastion of French culture, "La Foule" is not a French song. In fact, the piece comes from the other side of the world.
"La Foule" began its life as "Que nadie sepa mi sufrir," a Peruvian waltz composed by Ángel Cabral in 1936. The title translates to "Let no one know my suffering," and Enrique Dizeo provided the original Spanish lyrics. Almost twenty years after the song was published, Piaf heard the song as recorded by Alberto Castillo. The song became "La Foule" with Michel Rivgauche writing new French lyrics for the melody.
While the original lyrics to "Que nadie sepa mi sufrir" tell of a forsaken lover, Rivgauche's words tell of a celebration in a city with crowds dancing. The protagonist is embraced by a man, and she immediately falls in love, but the two are separated and swept apart in the crowd.
Leo Ravera of Your Italian Piano Teacher explains how the revised lyrics are a better fit for the swirling rhythms of the music.
"The waltz rhythm perfectly embodies the unbridled dance of the crowd, who are unconscious of the love they first created, and then destroyed," he states. "The central theme of La Foule is therefore destiny, which brings people together, unites them or separates them, at its will. The same destiny that made Edith Piaf listen to an old Peruvian waltz, a song that she was able to reinterpret and render eternal."
Regardless of the language, the piece carries weight due to its remarkably soulful melody. Even without words, the song is powerful. That's proven by this performance by Gautier Capuçon.
Capuçon, who hails from France, plays a 1701 Matteo Goffriller cello that seems to also have a voice of its own. The cellist is accompanied by pianist Jérôme Ducros and Orchestre de chambre de Paris, conducted by Lionel Bringuier.
The cellist begins the intro with a chromatic line that leads into a melody, which is then repeated by the orchestra. He then launches into the iconic melody, bringing all of its history with him. His phrasing and dynamics are reminiscent of Piaf's approach, giving further context and feeling to the piece.
No matter the continent or language, "La Foule" is a stirring piece of music that will stand the test of time. It's another example of melody, harmony, and rhythm coming together to express a piece of life in a way that words can't.
Follow along with the music and express your passion with "La Foule."