Tuesday, October 9, 2007

French Music

France is known as the main centre for music from all over Europe. Along with its traditional folk music Asian, Latin America and African influence of the immigrants present is also visible. France has produced some of the best music composers in the world and is now a boiling pot of hip hop, rock, funk, techno and pop.
Organum was the musical composition in the 10th century that was first documented. Music called the motet rose by the end of the 12th century while travelling musicians brought in the style known as troubadours. By the 14th century two notable styles were witnessed in France called the Ars Subtilior and the Ars Nova. Renaissance saw Burgundy rise as the centre for music and hence the Burgandian School was established.
The early music before the 20th century is being revived because of the growing tourism who are interested in the rich history of France. Tourists that come to France are made aware of the variations in music that are present that change from region to region in France.
For instance in central France in regions like Nivernais, Morvan, Bourbonnais, Limousin and Auvergne bagpipe is the traditional instrument along with the famous hurdy gurdy dance and the bourree. Most of these regions mentioned are the heart of folk music kept alive centuries after it had been produced. The bourree depends on the area as it can change from a duple to triple meter.
The hurdy gurdy is an instrument that lies between the piano accordion and the violin. It has a curved body and a set of keys that are quite complicated. Simpler forms of this instrument is easily available in Hungary, Russia and Spain.
Dance forms on these instruments are the famous cabarets and the grand cornemuse that come from Berry and Auvergne that were invented somewhere in the 17th century. Bagpipe music is found in a variety such that you will not find it the world over. There are different forms and the diversity changes in every region. Some of the famous bagpipers are Philippe Prieur, Frederic Paris and Bernad Blanc.
Reviving folk France music has been on since the 70s and in the musical festival like St. Chatier that is held every year the mix of traditional and modern music is played.
Region wise Basque is known for its traditional folk music called trikitixa which is played on the accordian. In Corsica polyphonic singing is famous. Songs are normally sung by male trios with strong harmony. The instruments used are the bagpipes, mandolin, the 16-stringed lute, fife and the diatonic accordion.
Opera stayed at the heart of France with compositions created have been dated back to the 16th century. Jean Baptise Lully was the composer who wooed Louis XIV with his operatic skills. He has developed beat pattern that till today has been used by conductors.
In the 18th century pop rock began creeping into the music scene and has blossomed since then. The American music forms like R&B and Blues also had their influence on the French who composed their own indigenous rock n roll that achieved domestic success. Today hard rock, metal and the various modern forms have also found listeners.

No comments: