Chant lyrique, op. 69

Composed for François Combelle, solo saxophone of the Republican Guard, Chant Lyrique op. 69 for saxophone and piano was completed on February 6, 1932. The piece was so successful that Fernande Decruck wrote several versions. Chant Lyrique is all the more remarkable because it is the first work by a female composer ever included in the Republican Guard's repertoire. It was also included for years in the program of the recruitment competitions for this ensemble.

Fernande Decruck composed an orchestrated version for Marcel Mule, who performed it in concert on March 9, 1938, at the Toulouse Conservatory, where she taught. Pierre Dupont wrote a transcription for the Republican Guard. In the late 1940s, Decruck reworked the work for piano and wind quintet. She later composed five other pieces for saxophone and piano bearing the same title, " Chant Lyrique ."

This version for saxophone (as well as 3 and 5) were recorded by Jean-Pierre Baraglioli.

The recording of the sextet version is available on the CD "Reeds Amis".