French music has a long history that started in the 10th century with court melodies and gallant music. Much of France's early folk music was instrumental, with few and rudimentary instruments; nevertheless, from the 10th century, a group of poet-composers started their work as well. From then on, France has had a rich musical history, spanning from opera to classical, to pop and rock in the twentieth century.
A Brief Overview of French Music
To do the French music justice, a whole series of volumes on each form of music throughout the history of music in France would be required. A brief overview might whet your appetite in this case.
Opera in French
The earliest operas were performed in France in the mid-seventeenth century. While the initial operas were experimental, opera quickly gained popularity in Paris, particularly operas modeled on Italian opera of the period. During Louis XIV's reign, Italian-style opera started to thrive in France.
However, the majority of operas that we know today originated in the nineteenth century. Classics by Georges Bizet, including Carmen, originate from this period and are still popular across the globe.
French Classical Music
The Romantic Era is France's most recognized classical music era, and it closely parallels the time of Romantic French literature and poetry. Set in the nineteenth century, prominent French artists like Ravel and Debussy were able to produce classical masterpieces that were not only recognized in France at the time but also traveled throughout the globe, wowing audiences and inspiring composers in other nations. Erik Satie is another well-known French composer from this period, however, his work is not often categorized as Romantic. Satie's works are still regarded as avant-garde.
Do you listen to this song, french music classic la vie en rose ever?
Music in France, like music in many other parts of the globe, took a modern turn in the twentieth century. Many composers experimented with new sounds and rhythms, and the French innovation spectral music' adds to the history of French music. This innovation is a kind of computer-aided musical creation, and its powers are yet not completely acknowledged worldwide.
Music of the People
It is difficult to define a specific history of folk music in France. Because of the geographical diversity of folk music, there is no one French folk music, nor is there a single chronology along which folk music emerged. Folk music in France is more of a collection of folk music styles from various areas of the nation. Folk music in the southern areas resembled Spanish or Italian folk music, but in the eastern highlands, Swiss or German influences played a part in folk music. The North of France, as well as the Atlantic Coast, had quite distinct folk music styles that were integral to the local cultural and creative life.
Music that is popular
Popular music in France originated in the nineteenth century but continued into the twentieth before changing genres. The oldest era spans the late 1800s to about 1930 when dance hall singers performed popular music for local audiences. This milieu gave rise to the French 'chanson,' which is still a popular genre of French song today, generally about love. The inimitable Edith Piaf, classics like Georges Brassens, and rockers like Johnny Hallyday are among the famous musicians of the popular music industry. Near the close of the twentieth century, music from Northern Africa, as well as American hip hop, came to France; both have experienced some success, with hip hop becoming a complete genre of French rap in the 1990s.
A Comprehensive History of French Music
Overall, the history of French music is extensive and diverse. While many of the later characteristics of French music may also be found in American music, French music began far earlier. Even when America was colonized and later gained independence, music remained sparse. When comparing American musical history to that of France, the diversity and duration of the past are both amazing.
