Named in memory of François Villon (1431-1463), one of the greatest French lyric poets, known for his ballads, chansons and rondeaux. Le grand Testament is his master work. Herein he reviews his life, expressing his horror of sickness, old age, death and a poignant regret for his wasted youth. Known for his criminal excesses, he spent much time in prison, until he was condemned to be hanged (Ballade des pendus). However, in 1463 his sentence was commuted to banishment from Paris.