Music of France is very rich and presents an array of styles. French music has a long history and available sources suggest the same started somewhere around 10th century. French music provides a number of variety and different styles that proves its opulence. French music has succeeded in earning a big reputation and has a long history of entertaining people over a period of time. French music is an integral part of French life and holds a very significant role in life French culture. This paper discusses French music and delves deep into history to examine French music and its array of styles along with other related aspects.
French music can be categorized in different forms such as classical music, folk music, popular music, contemporary music, overseas music and international music. These different forms of music depicts how music in Franc evolved over a period of time and what all types music were liked by people through the history. Classical music is one of the oldest forms of music evolved since 10th century (Haine). Medieval music was present in France till 14th century. Classical music further evolved in different forms such as Baroque, Opera and 20th century music (Cowart).
French music has been entertaining people since 10th century and it would take thousands of papers to write down the history of French music, considering it richness and variety. French music is as diverse and rich as music of other countries that boast to be very artistic and music lover. French music entertained as well as it affected other aspects of the France including social and political conditions.
Folk music of France is very old and it is difficult to decide any period or history of French folk music but it has always been liked by French music lovers over a period of time. French folk music is diverse and found in multiple trends. Folk music varies from one part to another in different parts of the country. Southern region is different from what we perceive in Northern provinces of France.
The French opera made its inaugural appearances in the middle of seventeenth century. At the beginning, these operas were tentative but very soon they were made regular because people gave their full support to these operas. Paris was known for its magnificent opera performances and people from different cities used to come and enjoy these opera performances. These operas are said to be inspired by Italian operas but operas of Paris have a distinctive identity which is different from others.
These operas played very important in role during the mid years of seventeenth century. These operas created awareness among French nationals to stand up against the cruel rule of Louis XVI. People used to entertained and mobilize others against the tyrannical rule that was going on in contemporary France. In nineteenth century these operas became famous across the world. Artists like George Bizet gave French opera a new identity and contributed in the reputation of modern French opera (Boyd).
Romantic era of France is influenced by classical music. This period resembles the time of romantic french music and literaruture. Musicians like Debussy and Ravel created some very romantic and classical music that touched the hearts of french music lovers. Eric satie made thismusic popular outside the France and people across the world were affected by the fever of french classical music. Classical music gave a new identity to the french music and its reputation spread among severak other countries of the world.
The magic of classical music moved one step ahead during twentieth century and several briliant composers and performers contributed in classical music through innovative styles. People were fan of classical music and the magic of conteporary music is still visible o their minds. French music was well served by people like Eric Satie who left their impression on french music forever (Kelly).
Pop, jazz and rock music of France was shaped in nineteenth century. The trend continued in twentieth century and a number of changes were made in this category of music. Johnny Hallyday, was a well known rocker who made French music lovers to rock. Edith Piaf, Juliette Greco like artists introduced innovative ideas in the French music and gave it new heights. Youngsters from all over the France enjoyed the pop and rock numbers of several artists in their times.
After having observed the succinct analysis of the above mentioned subject, it can be concluded that French music has a long history of entertaining French music lovers. French music is very rich as well as diverse and apart from entertaining people, it has also contributed in social and political changes. French music has a vast history of cultural changes and also it reminds of French history. French music gives us a reason to be happy and be proud of our values that France has preserved since time immemorial.
Works Cited
Boyd, Malcolm. Music and the French Revolution. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
Cowart, Georgia. French Musical Thought, 1600-1800. Michigan: University Rochester Press, 1989.
Haine, W. Scott. Culture and Customs of France. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006.
Kelly, Barbara L. French Music, Culture, and National Identity, 1870-1939. New York: University Rochester Press, 2008.
