Music can be an incredible aid when learning French, and listening to lyrics can help you understand new words and grammatical structures more quickly.
While Britain may have become gripped with pop-chanson fever during the sixties, France remained home to classic chansonniers who sang unfazed by flashier innovations elsewhere – one notable exception being Sylvie Vartan’s powerful rendition of Par Amour, Par Pitie.
Chanson
Chanson (French song) has long been considered an influential form of music worldwide. The style allows dense lyricism without repetitive choruses found in modern pop, making it perfect for exploring social and political themes such as Georges Brassens’, Jacques Brel’s and Edith Piaf’s works as examples of chanson.
At the dawn of Renaissance Europe, chanson developed as an international courtly style and form of international communication, serving as a universal courtly language. Published both in France and Italy, its popularity spread widely – songwriters such as Gastoldi, Downloand, Monteverdi wrote compositions based on it while its influence extended further still into other musical forms like madrigals. Today its influence can still be felt today.
Valse musette
Valse musette, or Valse-musette music, blends folk tunes from Auvergne with light Parisian style. It first gained widespread attention during the 19th century as people from Auvergne moved to Paris and brought with them their beloved traditional music. By 1930s accordionists such as Gus Viseur were infusing this genre with swing notes that gave it its characteristic sound.
During this era, the accordion gradually came to replace cabrette. Although initially it played similarly, eventually overshadowing its counterpart and leading to an entirely different repertoire. Artists like Charles Peguri and Emile Vacher combined traditional instruments with modern jazz elements into what later became known as Paris Musette Bands similar to Buena Vista Social Club.
Variete francaise
American music often looks forward, while French music has roots that extend back centuries, giving rise to various musical styles that express its country of origin’s rich cultural diversity.
Chanson Francaise was an immensely popular form of music performed in cabarets and music-halls long before anyone had even heard of rock and roll, often providing humorous or poignant insights into everyday life. These songs often described situations from everyday life; sometimes funny but other times profound.
Johnny Hallyday and Edith Piaf were two artists renowned for mastering this style; Johnny’s albums Sang for Sung and Vivre pour Le Best are examples. Many contemporary artists now incorporate elements of chanson francaise into their music; for instance Tryo blends reggae with chanson francaise while employing lyrics that can both amuse and provoke.
Les Champs-Elysees
Les Champs-Elysees is an iconic French song that elicits both romantic and inspirational emotions in listeners across generations and cultures. With its melodic rhythm and positive lyrics, this timeless tune has touched listeners from generations past and present alike.
The Champs-Elysees is known for its theatres, cafes and luxury shops lining its avenue. Additionally, this grand boulevard serves as the site for major events such as Bastille Day military parade and final stage of Tour de France cycling race.
Named for its symbolic representation of Greek mythology’s “Elysian Fields”, where fallen heroes rest after death. Through history, the Champs-Elysees has witnessed some major turning points and events that shaped French history – as well as major celebrations – both locally and nationally. Today it remains a vital component in everyday Paris life, serving as a symbol of prestige and elegance for Parisian citizens.
La Java Bleue
La Java Bleue originated in France during the early 20th century as part of its bals musette culture. This fast and sensual waltz required close embraces between dancers, which led some more respectable halls to prohibit it altogether. Some scholars describe its character as an evolution of mazurka.
Marguerite Boulc’h, better known by her stage name Frehel, was one of the major musical performers of 1930s France and featured prominently in several motion pictures like Jean Gabin’s Pepe le Moko.
Hotel La Java Bleue provides guests with a complimentary continental breakfast, conveniently situated 2.7 miles from Kampot Pagoda and providing concierge service as well as rooms equipped with WiFi for free internet use and air conditioning and desk.