This is a popular song from Burgundy (Santenay, 17th and 18th centuries). Maurice Emmanuel noted it under the title “Guillenlé, bia Guillenlé.” Lyrics are in patois, but there is also their modern French translation. The C modal melody is entirely contained in fifth mode. It was found in Santenay, a small village in south-west of Beaune. This song was sung every New Year’s Eve at doorsteps. “Guillenlé” probably comes from “Gui l’an neuf” (Gui new year) found in many provinces. Saint Batholmé is Saint Barthélémy, healer of every disease. The meaning of the last part of the song seems to be: we will waste charity as often as there will be leaves on bulrush, that is to say never. Every choir can perform this song.
