"Chanson Illusionist" was written by Chomet while its orchestral production was handled by Terry Davies, who also conducted it. Acting as the composter, Chomet selected Isobel Griffiths and Lucy Whalley to handle the conduction of the accompanying orchestra while Sonia Slany led it, accompanied by a piano arrangement created by Gwilyn Simcock.[1] In the recording, voice impersonations of Juliette Gréco, Les Frères Jacques, Georges Brassens, Barbara, Yves Montand, Édith Piaf, Jacques Brel, and Serge Gainsbourg are performed by an ensemble cast of voice actors.[2] French impersonators Didier Gustin, Jil Aigrot, and Frédéric Lebon fulfilled the task over Chomet's original composition, with several of them each impersonating several of the aforementioned singers.[3]
Lasting four minutes and five seconds,[4] Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune, described the composition as a "gentle waltz".[5]
Critical reception
William Ruhlmann, of AllMusic and CD Universe, thanked Chomet for the French and Scottish musical influence apparent in the production.[6][7] Specifically, Ruhlmann found it to be apparent and claimed that "the French aspect comes up right away".[6] "Chanson Illusionist" was included on the official list of 41 contenders for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2010,[8] but it ultimately did not receive a nomination.[9]
