French music has always been open to influences from jazz and world music. Louise Attaque brought modern elements into Manouche and acoustic music through their hit, Je t’emmene au vent – known by every French person today.
While chanson is on an upward trend with artists such as Stromae and Indila leading the charge, and even rappers such as MC Solaar and IAM are enjoying increasing fame in this genre.
Classical
Renaissance France brought forth beautiful music made up of lutes, theorbos and harpsichords; Gounod, Massenet and Bizet composed oratorios; Beethoven Debussy Ravel Messiaen orchestral grandeur inspired composers from across the world with its rich harmonies, textures, inventive musical vocabulary and expressive depth. French classical music continues this legacy to this day!
French musicians were masterful at striking a balance between elegance and conveying emotion subtly, using instruments of their day to depict nature as well as human feelings.
Post Revolutionary principles of assimilation fostered an inclusive musical culture in France after the Revolution; since Napoleon, Napoleon’s notion of ‘la mission civilisatrice’ provided confidence in French universalist ideology; however, rising German power caused widespread reconsideration of nationalist ideas during the 1860s and beyond.
Pop
French pop was at its height during the 1940s and 1950s with artists such as Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Charles Aznavour becoming widely renowned for their poetic lyrics. By the 1970s disco and French rock were heavily influential while new wave brought drum machines and gender fluidity into an already changing scene; artists like Etienne Daho, Indochine Noir Desir and Vanessa Paradis incorporated these trends to craft unique musical narratives that melded French culture with international influences.
Christine and the Queens and Stromae have introduced modern French music to an international audience through chart-topping hits that address critical societal issues like sexism and climate change. Their emotive songs spark conversations while raising awareness. Below is a selection of some of the greatest French songs ever written.
Jazz
Jazz originated in North America but quickly took hold in France. Famous French musicians like Sidney Bechet embraced this music without reservation or fear, freely expressing themselves through it.
Jazz was brought to Paris during World War I by African-American soldiers stationed there, which quickly found favor among Parisians. Django Reinhardt became its leader by founding the Hot Club de France; later he would join violinist Stephane Grappelli to form what has since been termed classical gypsy music.
As French music developed, its influence spread to other forms. Chanson became more refined and sophisticated. This combination contributed to the birth of modern French music.
World Music
France is well known worldwide for its diverse musical traditions – from Edith Piaf’s mellifluous melodies to contemporary sensations such as Daft Punk. This can be attributed to their welcoming attitudes toward musical exploration and diversity.
Classical music in France became a blend of styles; composers such as Debussy pioneered Impressionist tunes while Wagner combined Italianate melodies with Germanic harmonic structures in grand operas. Meanwhile, French folk music (musique traditionnelle) represents its own cultural heritage by conveying regional cultures via instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and fiddles.
French music’s secret gem lies within chanson, an artform which emphasizes lyrics and wordplay with serious themes. Popular examples of chanson include Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin who have won worldwide renown for their melodic ballads and captivating performances.