French Music is a diverse culture with a vast repertoire of genres and styles that spans everything from today’s popular hits to timeless classics. There’s sure to be something suitable for everyone here!
Though most may associate France with classical music and Edith Piaf, it is so much more! France boasts incredible history, architecture and culture that many don’t even consider!
Chanson
Chanson is a form of classical French music dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance that uses words to tell a narrative story through music.
Chansons often used the words of poets to deliver a message and express social or political opinions.
Though French classic songs may seem outdated, their appeal remains strong among fans who appreciate classic tunes. Classic tunes offer more substance and authenticity than modern pop tunes do, featuring lyrics that deal with real life issues instead of happy, upbeat tunes.
Claudin de Sermisy and Clement Janequin were two acclaimed composers of chanson in the early 16th century, particularly revered for their programmatic songs imitating natural or manmade sounds such as birdcalls or hunt noises, such as La chasse or La bataille (imitating battle noises such as cannon fire).
Renaissance Motets
Motets were one of the preeminent polyphonic forms of Renaissance music. Beginning as two-part compositions, their upper voice would paraphrase the text being sung by their counterpart below them.
Since the 13th century, polyphony has evolved over time into more intricate forms with numerous distinctive characteristics. At first, these songs relied heavily on the clausula section of plainchant organums (an early form of vocal polyphony).
Medieval secular motets were composed in different local languages using an isorhythmic cantus firmus–an existing canon or canons from older Gregorian chants–to create isorhythmic motets. French composers like Guillaume Du Fay, Philippe de Vitry, and Guillaume de Machaut wrote many religious works using this style.
By the sixteenth century, motets had become largely obsolete as composers such as Josquin des Prez used motets as an avenue for musical experimentation and development.
Troubadours
The Troubadours were among the most influential European poets during the High Middle Ages (roughly from approximately the 12th to 13th centuries). Their style, which embodied courtly love and chivalry ideals, had achieved widespread popularity by the 11th century in Occitania region.
Cercamon first coined the term troubadour around 1150; its roots come from joglars – traveling musicians who would entertain people by day while entertaining aristocrats at night.
Writers produced works in many voices and styles, from light works that were often satirical or nearly offensive, to much heavier works exploring nature, philosophy, and other topics. Their songs referred to as cansos were popular with both men and women; sirventes political pieces served to break through debates or arguments; furthermore the song served as a vehicle for propaganda on topics like plague, famine, or inquisition.
Modern Music
French music is an expansive genre that spans multiple styles and artists. Over the decades, French has evolved and become a cultural influence on artists all over the globe.
Modern French music covers a range of genres, such as pop, rock and electronic. This genre can range from romantic ballads to quirky and eccentric sounds; all while maintaining its distinctive French flavor.
Modern French pop may receive an unfavorable reputation in English-language media, but there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Tryo stands out as an exceptional band which blends reggae, folk, and rock into an infectious anthem for environmental activists.
Edith Piaf, who rose to fame during the 1960s and has inspired generations of French singers and musicians with her timeless songs that evoke powerful emotions, her distinct sultry voice, and unique style make her music an essential addition to any French musical library.