French Music is a rich cultural tradition. It encompasses many genres and styles, as well as an intricate relationship with foreign musical forms over its long history.
Studying French music requires an interdisciplinary approach. Scholars must investigate authorities manifested through repertoires, institutions, aesthetics, reception and technology.
Chanson
Chanson is a genre of French music dating back to Renaissance France and evolving into a popular form over time. It combines polyphonic structure with free compositional styles as well as various literary forms.
Early chansons typically incorporated one or more of the formes fixes – a collection of poetic forms such as ballade, rondeau and virelai (formerly chanson baladee). Three-voice pieces were most prevalent at first; by the end of the 15th century four-voice songs had become standard fare.
Guillaume de Machaut, Gilles Binchois and Guillaume Dufay were the three most prolific composers of chanson in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. These composers of polyphonic chansons for three voices often employed what is known as Burgundian chanson styles.
Variete
French music in the twentieth century was an invaluable source of musical innovation, fusing genres as diverse as jazz, beguine, chanson, rock, folk, electronica and rap into an amalgamated sound that evolved through interactions among new concepts of rhythm, timbre and arrangement.
France is well-known for its music, from Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose and Charles Trenet’s La Mer to Bing Crosby and Grace Jones covering their songs; so learning the words to join in singing along should not be difficult!
Traditional music has survived across remote regions such as Corsica and Auvergne, where some traditions have been revived specifically to cater for tourists. One great way to experience traditional music in these remote places is with a group folklorique; there, you can listen to local musicians playing instruments typical of their region.
Pop
Pop is currently the most beloved genre of music worldwide. This style offers catchy melodies and easy lyrics that are relatable and enjoyable.
One of the distinguishing traits of pop music from other genres is its light social message that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Pop songs rarely address real wars or invasion of countries; instead they frequently discuss romantic love and relationships.
French pop began as a form of cabaret-influenced chanson music during the late 19th century and reached its apex during the 1950s. Subgenres emerged such as French rock and ye-ye, both founded during this period and heavily influenced by American rock and roll music.
Rock
Rock is an American musical genre which first emerged during the 1950s and quickly spread throughout English-speaking nations. Distinguished by a distinctive sound and style that distinguishes it from other types of music genres.
Initial resistance by French musicians toward Rock was met with some hesitation; however, during the 1980s, numerous bands began popularizing it in France due to rapid youth culture growth – this made rock artists more lucrative as their market increased significantly.
Progressive rock was an integral component of this scene, with groups like Terpandre, Dun, and Emeraude finding some success underground during this period; however, most critics were dubious of them. Another prominent act was Asia Minor who combined British progressive rock with Middle Eastern influences.