# Music of France

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Music of France General topics Composers History Festivals Musical instruments Genres gregorian classical opera folk chanson nouvelle chanson can-can musette cabaret popular yé-yé pop jazz rock hip-hop house electronic celtic Media and performance Music awards Victoires de la Musique Prix Constantin NRJ Music Awards Music charts SNEP Music festivals Aix-en-Provence Bourges Eurockéennes Francofolies Hellfest Interceltique Rock en Seine Vieilles Charrues Nationalistic and patriotic songs National anthem "La Marseillaise" Regional music Local forms Auvergne Aquitaine Brittany Burgundy Corsica Gascony Limousin Other regions French Polynesia and Tahiti Guadeloupe Guiana Martinique New Caledonia Réunion v t e

In [France](/source/France), [music](/source/Music) reflects a diverse array of styles. In the field of [classical music](/source/Classical_music), France has produced several prominent [romantic composers](/source/Romantic_music), while folk and popular music have seen the rise of the [chanson](/source/Chanson) and [cabaret](/source/Cabaret) style. The oldest playable musical recordings were made in France using the earliest known sound recording device in the world, the [phonautograph](/source/Phonautograph), which was patented by [Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville](/source/%C3%89douard-L%C3%A9on_Scott_de_Martinville) in 1857. France is also the 5th largest market by value in the world, and its music industry has produced many internationally renowned artists, especially in the [nouvelle chanson](/source/Nouvelle_chanson) and [electronic music](/source/French_electronic_music).

## Classical music

Main articles: [Music history of France](/source/Music_history_of_France) and [French classical music](/source/French_classical_music)

### Medieval

Main article: [French Medieval music](/source/French_Medieval_music)

French [music history](/source/Music_history) dates back to [organum](/source/Organum) in the 10th century, followed by the [Notre Dame School](/source/Notre_Dame_School), an organum composition style. [Troubadour](/source/Troubadour) songs of [chivalry](/source/Chivalry) and [courtly love](/source/Courtly_love) were composed in the [Occitan](/source/Occitan_language) language between the 10th and 13th centuries, and the [Trouvère](/source/Trouv%C3%A8re) poet-composers flourished in Northern France during this period. The fiddle was their instrument of choice.[1] By the end of the 12th century, a form of song called the [motet](/source/Motet) arose, accompanied by traveling musicians called [jongleurs](/source/Jongleur). In the 14th century, France produced two notable styles of music, [Ars Nova](/source/Ars_Nova) and [Ars Subtilior](/source/Ars_Subtilior)

### Renaissance

Main article: [French Renaissance music](/source/French_Renaissance_music)

Petits Chanteurs de Passy, Pavane composed by Thoinot Arbeau (1519 - 1595).

[Burgundy](/source/Duchy_of_Burgundy), which was the mostly [French](/source/French_language)-speaking area unified with the [Kingdom of France](/source/Kingdom_of_France) in 1477, had become a major center for musical development in the musical continent Europe. This was followed by the rise of [chansons](/source/Chanson) and the [Burgundian School](/source/Burgundian_School).

### Baroque

Main article: [French Baroque music](/source/French_Baroque_music)

Influential composers included [Jean-Baptiste Lully](/source/Jean-Baptiste_Lully), [Marc-Antoine Charpentier](/source/Marc-Antoine_Charpentier), [Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre](/source/%C3%89lisabeth_Jacquet_de_La_Guerre), [Louis Couperin](/source/Louis_Couperin), [François Couperin](/source/Fran%C3%A7ois_Couperin) and [Jacques Champion de Chambonnières](/source/Jacques_Champion_de_Chambonni%C3%A8res). [Jean Philippe Rameau](/source/Jean_Philippe_Rameau), a prominent opera composer, wrote an influential treatise on musical theory, especially in the subject of [harmony](/source/Harmony); he also introduced the [clarinet](/source/Clarinet) into his orchestras. In the late Renaissance and early Baroque period, a type of popular secular vocal music called *[Air de cour](/source/Air_de_cour)* spread throughout France.

### Opera

Main article: [French opera](/source/French_opera)

The first French [opera](/source/Opera) may be *[Akébar roi du Mogol](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ak%C3%A9bar_roi_du_Mogol&action=edit&redlink=1)*, first performed in [Carpentras](/source/Carpentras) in 1646. It was followed by the team of [Pierre Perrin](/source/Pierre_Perrin) and [Cambert](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cambert&action=edit&redlink=1), whose *[Pastoral in Music](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pastoral_in_Music&action=edit&redlink=1)*, performed in [Issy](/source/Issy-les-Moulineaux), was a success, and the pair moved to Paris to produce *[Pomone](/source/Pomone_(opera))* (1671) and *[Les Peines et les Plaisirs de l'Amour](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Les_Peines_et_les_Plaisirs_de_l%27Amour&action=edit&redlink=1)* (1672).

[Jean-Baptiste Lully](/source/Jean-Baptiste_Lully), who had become well known for composing [ballets](/source/Ballet) for [Louis XIV](/source/Louis_XIV), began creating a French version of the Italian *[opera seria](/source/Opera_seria)*, a kind of tragic opera known as *tragédie lyrique* or *tragédie en musique* - see ([French lyric tragedy](/source/French_lyric_tragedy)). His first was *[Cadmus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cadmus_(opera)&action=edit&redlink=1)* from 1673. Lully's forays into operatic tragedy were accompanied by the pinnacle of French theatrical tragedy, led by [Corneille](/source/Pierre_Corneille) and [Racine](/source/Jean_Racine).

Lully also developed the common beat patterns used by conductors to this day and was the first to take the role of leading the orchestra from the position of the first violin.

The French composer [Georges Bizet](/source/Georges_Bizet) composed [Carmen](/source/Carmen), one of the best-known and most popular operas.

[Lakmé - Duo des Fleurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:L%C3%A9o_Delibes_-_Lakm%C3%A9_Duo_des_fleurs_-_French_Opera_-_Natalie_Dessay_%26_Delphine_Haidan.ogg)

[Lakmé](/source/Lakm%C3%A9) by [Léo Delibes](/source/L%C3%A9o_Delibes), performed by [Natalie Dessay](/source/Natalie_Dessay) and the [Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse](/source/Orchestre_national_du_Capitole_de_Toulouse).

[Gymnopedie No.1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Erik_Satie_-_gymnopedies_-_la_1_ere._lent_et_douloureux.ogg)

[Gymnopédie No.1](/source/Gymnop%C3%A9dies_(Satie)) by [Erik Satie](/source/Erik_Satie), performed by Agathe Laforge.

[Pavane pour une infante défunte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maurice_Ravel_-_Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_Dussaut_-_Pavane_pour_une_infante_d%C3%A9funte.ogg)

[Pavane pour une infante défunte](/source/Pavane_pour_une_infante_d%C3%A9funte) by [Maurice Ravel](/source/Maurice_Ravel), performed by Thérèse Dussaut

*Problems playing these files? See [media help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Media).*

### Classical era

[Claude Balbastre](/source/Claude_Balbastre) was an organist, harpsichordist and fortepianist. He was one of the most famous musicians of his time.

[Henri-Montan Berton](/source/Henri-Montan_Berton), son of Pierre, is principally remembered as a composer of operas, most of which were first performed at the Opéra-Comique.

[Chélard](/source/Hippolyte_Andr%C3%A9_Jean_Baptiste_Ch%C3%A9lard) earned his living for much of his career as a violist at the Paris Opera. His 1827 opera Macbeth was a flop in Paris, but a great success in Munich.

[Jeanne-Hippolyte Devismes](/source/Jeanne-Hippolyte_Devismes) married the director of the Paris Opéra. Her only known works are a song, "La Dame Jacinthe", and an opera, Praxitėle, which was a success and ran for 16 performances.

Harpsichordist and composer [Jacques Duphly](/source/Jacques_Duphly) contributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau dictionary, for articles relating to the art of playing the harpsichord.

### Romantic era

Main articles: [Romantic music](/source/Romantic_music) and [Classical music era](/source/Classical_music_era)

One of the major French composers of the time, and one of the most innovative composers of the early Romantic era, was [Hector Berlioz](/source/Hector_Berlioz).

In the late 19th century, pioneers such as [Georges Bizet](/source/Georges_Bizet), [Jules Massenet](/source/Jules_Massenet), [Gabriel Fauré](/source/Gabriel_Faur%C3%A9), [Maurice Ravel](/source/Maurice_Ravel) and [Claude Debussy](/source/Claude_Debussy) revitalized French music. The last two had an enormous impact on 20th-century music - both in France and abroad - and influenced many major composers such as [Béla Bartók](/source/B%C3%A9la_Bart%C3%B3k) and [Igor Stravinsky](/source/Igor_Stravinsky). [Erik Satie](/source/Erik_Satie) was also a very significant composer from that era. His music is difficult to classify.

The ballet master and choreographer [Marius Petipa](/source/Marius_Petipa).

### 20th century

The early 20th century saw neo-classical music flourish in France, especially composers such as [Lili Boulanger](/source/Lili_Boulanger), [Nadia Boulanger](/source/Nadia_Boulanger), [Albert Roussel](/source/Albert_Roussel) and [Les Six](/source/Les_Six), a group of musicians who gathered around Satie. Later in the century, [Olivier Messiaen](/source/Olivier_Messiaen), [Henri Dutilleux](/source/Henri_Dutilleux) and [Pierre Boulez](/source/Pierre_Boulez) proved influential. The latter was a leading figure of [Serialism](/source/Serialism) while Messiaen incorporated Asian (particularly Indian) influences and [bird song](/source/Bird_song) and Dutilleux translated the innovations of Debussy, Bartók and Stravinsky into his own, very personal, musical idiom.

The most important French contribution to musical innovation of the past 35 years is a form of [computer-assisted composition](/source/Computer-assisted_composition) called "[spectral music](/source/Spectral_music)". The astonishing technical advances of the spectralist composers in the 1970s are only recently beginning to achieve wide recognition in the United States; major composers in this vein include [Gérard Grisey](/source/G%C3%A9rard_Grisey), [Tristan Murail](/source/Tristan_Murail), and [Claude Vivier](/source/Claude_Vivier).

## Folk music

Main article: [French folk music](/source/French_folk_music)

Traditional styles of music have survived most in remote areas such as the island of Corsica and mountainous Auvergne, as well as the more nationalistic regions of the [Basques](/source/Basque_people) and the [Bretons](/source/Bretons). In many cases, folk traditions were revived in relatively recent years to cater to tourists. These *groupes folkloriques* tend to focus on very early 20th-century [melodies](/source/Melody) and the use of the [piano accordion](/source/Piano_accordion).

### Paris

Main article: [History of music in Paris](/source/History_of_music_in_Paris)

Cover page of the score of the song Si petite performed by [Lucienne Boyer](/source/Lucienne_Boyer)

In 1900 in Paris, a new style of waltz emerged, the "Valse musette" an evolution of [Bal-musette](/source/Bal-musette) also known as "French Waltz". Aimable, [Émile Vacher](/source/%C3%89mile_Vacher), [Marcel Azzola](/source/Marcel_Azzola), [Yvette Horner](/source/Yvette_Horner), [André Verchuren](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andr%C3%A9_Verchuren&action=edit&redlink=1) were famous accordionists who played valse musette. There is also [Yann Tiersen](/source/Yann_Tiersen) and its [Amélie (soundtrack)](/source/Am%C3%A9lie_(soundtrack)) of Amélie from Montmartre.

### West France

Main articles: [Music of Aquitaine](/source/Music_of_Aquitaine) and [Music of Gascony](/source/Music_of_Gascony)

The West of France comprises the [Pays de Nantes](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pays_de_Nantes&action=edit&redlink=1), the provinces of [Vendée](/source/Vend%C3%A9e), [Anjou](/source/Duchy_of_Anjou) and [Maine](/source/Maine_(province)), and the [Poitou-Charentes](/source/Poitou-Charentes) region. Traditions of [ballad](/source/Ballad)-singing, dance-songs and [fiddle](/source/Fiddle)-playing have survived, predominantly in Poitou and the Vendée. [Jérôme Bujeaud](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J%C3%A9r%C3%B4me_Bujeaud&action=edit&redlink=1) collected extensively in the area, and his 2-volume work "Chants et chansons populaires des provinces de l'ouest: [Poitou](/source/Poitou), [Saintonge](/source/Saintonge_(region)), [Aunis](/source/Aunis) et [Angoumois](/source/Angoumois)" ([Niort](/source/Niort), 1866) remains the principal scholarly collection of music and songs. In recent decades John Wright and [Claude Ribouillault](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Claude_Ribouillault&action=edit&redlink=1) (amongst others) have done much to collect, analyse and promote the surviving traditions.

The [Marais Breton](/source/Marais_Breton) of Vendée is noted particularly for its tradition of [veuze](/source/Veuze) playing - which has been revived by the [bagpipe](/source/Bagpipe)-maker and player [Thierry Bertrand](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thierry_Bertrand&action=edit&redlink=1) - and for traditional singers such as Pierre Burgaud.

[Folk dances](/source/Folk_dances) specific to the West of France include the [courante](/source/Courante), or maraichine, and the bal saintongeais. [Bourrées](/source/Bourr%C3%A9e) in triple time have been noted in the 19th century by Bujeaud, and more recently, in Angoumois. Circle- or chain-dances accompanied by caller-and-response singing have been noted in the West, and also in other regions such as [Gascony](/source/Gascony), [Normandy](/source/Normandy) and [Brittany](/source/Brittany).

Notable contemporary folk musicians include [Christian Pacher](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christian_Pacher&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Claude Ribouillault](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Claude_Ribouillault&action=edit&redlink=1) (Poitou) and the group [La Marienne](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Marienne&action=edit&redlink=1) (Vendée.)

#### Brittany

Main article: [Music of Brittany](/source/Music_of_Brittany)

[Alan Stivell](/source/Alan_Stivell), a [Celtic musician](/source/Celtic_music) and singer.

[Nolwenn Leroy](/source/Nolwenn_Leroy) often uses to reinterpret traditional Breton and Celtic songs.

Distinctly [Celtic](/source/Celtic_music) in character, the folk music of Lower [Brittany](/source/Brittany) has had perhaps the most successful revival of its traditions, partly thanks to the city of [Lorient](/source/Lorient), which hosts France's most popular music festival: [Festival Interceltique de Lorient](/source/Festival_Interceltique_de_Lorient).

The documented history of Breton music begins with the publication of *[Barzaz-Breizh](/source/Barzaz-Breizh)* in 1839. A collection of folk songs compiled by [Hersart de la Villemarqué](/source/Hersart_de_la_Villemarqu%C3%A9), *Barzaz-Breizh* re-branded and promoted Breton traditions and helped ensure their continuity.

[Sonneurs](/source/Sonneur) couples, consisting of a [bombard](/source/Bombard_(music)) and a [biniou](/source/Biniou) (bagpipe), is usually played at festoù-noz ([Fest Noz](/source/Fest_Noz)) celebrations (some are famous, such as [Printemps de Chateauneuf](https://web.archive.org/web/20040331205257/http://www.printemps-de-chateauneuf.org/)). It is swift [dance music](/source/Dance_music) and has an older vocal counterpart called *[kan ha diskan](/source/Kan_ha_diskan)*. Unaccompanied [call and response](/source/Call_and_response_(music)) singing was interspersed with the *[gwerz](/source/Gwerz)*, a form of [ballad](/source/Ballad).

Probably the most popular form of Breton folk is the [bagad](/source/Bagad) pipe band, which features native instruments such as [biniou](/source/Biniou) and [bombard](/source/Bombard_(music)) alongside drums and, in more modern groups, [biniou braz](/source/Biniou_braz) pipes. Modern revivalists include [Kevrenn Alre](/source/Kevrenn_Alre) Bagad and [Bagad Kemper](/source/Bagad_Kemper).

[Alan Stivell](/source/Alan_Stivell) is perhaps the most influential [folk-rock](/source/Folk-rock) performer of continental Europe. After 1971's *[Renaissance of the Celtic Harp](/source/Renaissance_of_the_Celtic_Harp)*, Breton and other Celtic traditional music achieved mainstream success internationally. With [Dan Ar Braz](/source/Dan_Ar_Braz), he then released *[Chemins de Terre](/source/Chemins_de_Terre)* (1974), which launched Breton folk-rock. This set the stage for stars such as [Malicorne](/source/Malicorne_(band)) in the ensuing decades.

In later years much has been done to collect and popularize the musical traditions of the [Pays Gallo](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pays_Gallo&action=edit&redlink=1) of [Upper Brittany](/source/Upper_Brittany), for which the singer [Bertran Ôbrée](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bertran_%C3%94br%C3%A9e&action=edit&redlink=1), his group [Ôbrée Alie](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C3%94br%C3%A9e_Alie&action=edit&redlink=1) and the association DASTUM must take much credit. The songs of Upper Brittany are either in French or in [Gallo](/source/Gallo_language).

Modern Breton folk music includes harpists such as [Anne-Marie Jan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anne-Marie_Jan&action=edit&redlink=1), [Anne Auffret](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anne_Auffret&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Myrdhin](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Myrdhin&action=edit&redlink=1), while singers [Kristen Nikolas](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kristen_Nikolas&action=edit&redlink=1), [Andrea Ar Gouilh](/source/Andrea_Ar_Gouilh) and [Yann-Fanch Kemener](/source/Yann-Fanch_Kemener) have become mainstream stars. Instrumental bands, however, have been the most successful, including [Gwerz](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gwerz_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1), [Bleizi Ruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bleizi_Ruz&action=edit&redlink=1), [Strobinell](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strobinell&action=edit&redlink=1), [Sonerien Du](/source/Sonerien_Du) and [Tud](/source/Tud).

### Central France

Main articles: [Music of Auvergne](/source/Music_of_Auvergne), [Music of Limousin](/source/Music_of_Limousin), and [Music of Burgundy](/source/Music_of_Burgundy)

*ambassadors, [Aristide Bruant](/source/Aristide_Bruant)* by [Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec](/source/Henri_de_Toulouse-Lautrec)

Central France includes the regions of [Auvergne](/source/Auvergne_(province)), [Limousin](/source/Limousin_(r%C3%A9gion)), [Morvan](/source/Morvan), [Nivernais](/source/Nivernais), [Bourbonnais](/source/Bourbonnais) and [Berry](/source/Berry_(province)). The lands are the home to a significant [bagpipe](/source/Bagpipe) tradition, as well as the iconic [hurdy-gurdy](/source/Hurdy-gurdy) and the dance [bourrée](/source/Bourr%C3%A9e). There are deep differences between the regions of Central France, with the Auvergne and Limousin retained the most vibrant folk traditions of the area. As an example of the area's diversity, the bourrée can come in either duple or triple meter; the latter is found in the south of the region, and is usually improvised with [bagpipes](/source/Bagpipes) and hurdy-gurdy, while the former is found in the north and includes virtuoso players.

#### Bagpipe and Hurdy-gurdy

Main articles: [Hurdy-gurdy](/source/Hurdy-gurdy) and [Bagpipe](/source/Bagpipe)

The hurdy-gurdy, or *vielle-à-roue*, is essentially a mechanical violin, with keys or buttons instead of a fingerboard. It is made up of a curved, oval body, a set of keys and a curved handle, which is turned and connected to a wheel which bows the strings that are stopped by the keys. There is a moveable bridge, a variable number of drones and optional [sympathetic strings](/source/Sympathetic_strings). Other forms of the hurdy-gurdy are found all over Europe.

The bagpipe is found in a wide array of forms in France. The *cabrette* and *grande cornemuse* from [Auvergne](/source/Auvergne_(province)) and [Berry](/source/Berry_(province)) are best known. These forms are found at least as far back as the 17th century. Prominent bagpipers include [Bernard Blanc](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bernard_Blanc&action=edit&redlink=1), [Frédéric Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric_Paris&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Philippe Prieur](/source/Philippe_Prieur), as well as bandleader [Jean Blanchard](/source/Jean_Blanchard) of [La Grande Bande de Cornemuses](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Grande_Bande_de_Cornemuses&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Quintette de Cornemuses](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Quintette_de_Cornemuses&action=edit&redlink=1). Frédéric Paris is also known as a member of the [Duo Chabenat-Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Duo_Chabenat-Paris&action=edit&redlink=1), who use elements such as mixed polyphonic ensembles and melodies based on the bourrée. Bernard Blanc and Jean Blanchard, along with [Éric Montbel](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C3%89ric_Montbel&action=edit&redlink=1) from Lyon, were among the musicians who formed the basis of [La Bamboche](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Bamboche&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Le Grand Rouge](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Le_Grand_Rouge&action=edit&redlink=1). It was these two bands who did more than anyone to revitalize the traditions of Central France during the 1970s [folk revival](/source/Folk_revival).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The festival of [St. Chartier](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St._Chartier&action=edit&redlink=1), a [music festival](/source/Music_festival) held annually near [Châteauroux](/source/Ch%C3%A2teauroux), has been a focal point for the music of Auvergne and Limousin.

The regions of [Morvan](/source/Morvan) and [Nivernais](/source/Nivernais) have produced some traditional stars, including [Faubourg de Boignard](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Faubourg_de_Boignard&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Les Ménétriers du Morvan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Les_M%C3%A9n%C3%A9triers_du_Morvan&action=edit&redlink=1), respectively. The Nivernais collector [Achille Millien](/source/Achille_Millien) was also notable in the early part of the 20th century.

### South France

#### Basque Country

Main article: [Basque music](/source/Basque_music)

[Françoise Hardy](/source/Fran%C3%A7oise_Hardy) in a publicity photograph in *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*, promoting the American release of her music via [Kapp](/source/Kapp_Records), 1965.

The music of the [French Basque Country](/source/Northern_Basque_Country) (east of the [Basque Country](/source/Basque_Country_(greater_region))) should be considered against a Pyrenean cultural background. Up to recent times and still [ttun-ttun](/source/Psalterium_(instrument)) and [xirula](/source/Xirula) should be highlighted in traditional folk music (especially in the province of [Soule](/source/Soule)) as a tabor and pipe like pair.

Mixel Etxekopar or Jean Mixel Bedaxagar have played a major role in Basque traditional music as xirula players as well as traditional singers. Other popular performers such as [Benat Achiary](/source/Benat_Achiary) take on a more experimental approach. These performers refer to a former tradition collected and restored by figures such as Etxahun Iruri (1908–1979) where singing improviser poets ([bertsolaris](/source/Bertsolari)) played an important role in popular culture. This *bertsolari* tradition relies almost exclusively on younger generations, and efforts are being made now to restore it along the lines of the "southern" tradition, i.e. of the [Spanish Basque Country](/source/Southern_Basque_Country).

Music from the [Basque Country](/source/Northern_Basque_Country) nowadays caters to almost all the tastes of music, with a wide range of music being played in Basque, from choral music ([Oldarra](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oldarra&action=edit&redlink=1) in [Biarritz](/source/Biarritz)) to elaborate music bands (e.g. Bidaia) to ska or hardcore trends, while it is much praised lately for the fine bare voices that have arisen with the likes of Maddi Oihenart, Maialen Errotabehere or Amaren Alabak, to mention but a few.

#### Corsica

Main article: [Music of Corsica](/source/Music_of_Corsica)

[Corsican polyphonic singing](/source/Music_of_Corsica#Polyphonic_song) is perhaps the most unusual of the French regional music varieties. Sung by male trios, it is strongly harmonic and occasionally dissonant. Works can be either spiritual or secular. Modern groups include [Canta u Populu Corsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canta_u_Populu_Corsu&action=edit&redlink=1), [I Muvrini](/source/I_Muvrini), [Tavagna](/source/Tavagna) and [Chjami Aghjalesi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chjami_Aghjalesi&action=edit&redlink=1); some groups have been associated with Corsican [nationalism](/source/Nationalism).

Corsican [musical instruments](/source/Musical_instrument) include the *[caramusa](/source/Caramusa)* ([cornemuse](/source/Cornemuse) bagpipe), *[cetera](/source/Cetera)* (16-stringed [lute](/source/Lute)), *[mandulina](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mandulina&action=edit&redlink=1)* ([mandolin](/source/Mandolin)), *[pifana](/source/Pifana)* (a type of [gemshorn](/source/Gemshorn)) and *[urganettu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Urganettu&action=edit&redlink=1)* (diatonic [accordion](/source/Accordion)).

## Popular music

Main article: [French popular music](/source/French_popular_music)

Poster from the cabaret [Moulin Rouge](/source/Moulin_Rouge) in Paris (1890), the spiritual birthplace of the [French Cancan](/source/Cancan) dance.

The 20th century saw the apogee of the [Cabaret](/source/Cabaret) style with [Yvette Guilbert](/source/Yvette_Guilbert) as a major star. The era lasted through to the 1930s and saw the likes of [Édith Piaf](/source/%C3%89dith_Piaf), [Charles Trenet](/source/Charles_Trenet), [Maurice Chevalier](/source/Maurice_Chevalier), [Tino Rossi](/source/Tino_Rossi), [Félix Mayol](/source/F%C3%A9lix_Mayol), [Lucienne Boyer](/source/Lucienne_Boyer), [Marie-Louise Damien](/source/Marie-Louise_Damien), [Marie Dubas](/source/Marie_Dubas), [Fréhel](/source/Fr%C3%A9hel), [Georges Guibourg](/source/Georges_Guibourg) and [Jean Sablon](/source/Jean_Sablon).

During the 50s and 60s, it was the golden age of *Chanson Française*: [Juliette Gréco](/source/Juliette_Gr%C3%A9co), [Mireille Mathieu](/source/Mireille_Mathieu), [Georges Brassens](/source/Georges_Brassens), [Jacques Brel](/source/Jacques_Brel), [Gilbert Bécaud](/source/Gilbert_B%C3%A9caud), [Monique Serf](/source/Monique_Serf) (Barbara), [Léo Ferré](/source/L%C3%A9o_Ferr%C3%A9), [Charles Aznavour](/source/Charles_Aznavour) and [Alain Barrière](/source/Alain_Barri%C3%A8re). The [Yéyé](/source/Y%C3%A9y%C3%A9) style was popular in the 1950s and 60s with [Sheila](/source/Sheila_(French_singer)), [Claude François](/source/Claude_Fran%C3%A7ois), [Françoise Hardy](/source/Fran%C3%A7oise_Hardy) and [Johnny Hallyday](/source/Johnny_Hallyday). This era also saw [Serge Gainsbourg](/source/Serge_Gainsbourg) and [Jane Birkin](/source/Jane_Birkin) experiment with avant-garde pop, integrating provocative themes and diverse musical styles, marking French pop as emotionally sophisticated and distinct.

The 1970s brought disco, progressive rock, and electronic influences. Artists like [Michel Sardou](/source/Michel_Sardou), [Claude François](/source/Claude_Fran%C3%A7ois), and [Daft Punk](/source/Daft_Punk) merged French pop with global trends. [Jean-Michel Jarre](/source/Jean-Michel_Jarre) pioneered electronic music, notably with Oxygène, pushing French music onto the world stage. In the 1980s, French pop fused international genres with artists like [Vanessa Paradis](/source/Vanessa_Paradis) and [Mylène Farmer](/source/Myl%C3%A8ne_Farmer), alongside the rise of chanson nouvelle, led by [Etienne Daho](/source/Etienne_Daho) and [Alain Bashung](/source/Alain_Bashung). This era was marked by new wave, synth-pop, and rock influences, reflecting France’s shifting cultural landscape. By the 1990s, French pop achieved global success, especially through electronic music with Daft Punk, [Air](/source/Air_(French_band)), and the French touch movement. This period also saw the rise of variété française, with artists like [Céline Dion](/source/C%C3%A9line_Dion) and [Zazie](/source/Zazie) gaining international acclaim while staying rooted in French culture.

### Cabaret

Main articles: [Cabaret](/source/Cabaret), [Café concert](/source/Caf%C3%A9_concert), and [Café-théâtre](/source/Caf%C3%A9-th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre)

[Édith Piaf](/source/%C3%89dith_Piaf) referred to as "La Môme Piaf" (The Little [Sparrow](/source/Sparrow_(disambiguation)#Birds)).

[Mireille Mathieu](/source/Mireille_Mathieu) in Hamburg, 1971

[Patricia Kaas](/source/Patricia_Kaas), incarnation of the new French [cabaret](/source/Cabaret) spirit.

*Cabaret* is a typical form of French musical entertainment featuring [chanson](/source/Chanson), [music](/source/Music), [dance](/source/Dance), [comedy](/source/Comedy) and [spectacles](/source/Spectacle). The audience usually sits at tables, often dining or drinking, and performances are sometimes introduced by a master of ceremonies. The first cabaret was opened in 1881 in [Montmartre](/source/Montmartre), Paris, by [Rodolphe Salis](/source/Rodolphe_Salis) and was called *[Le Chat Noir](/source/Le_Chat_Noir)* (The Black Cat). Built in 1889, *[Moulin Rouge](/source/Moulin_Rouge)* is famous for the large red windmill on its roof. Other popular French cabarets include the *[Folies Bergère](/source/Folies_Berg%C3%A8re)* and *[Le Lido](/source/Le_Lido)*. Cabarets were a key venue in the careers of many singers such as [Mistinguett](/source/Mistinguett), [Josephine Baker](/source/Josephine_Baker), [Charles Trenet](/source/Charles_Trenet) and [Edith Piaf](/source/Edith_Piaf). More recently, [Patricia Kaas](/source/Patricia_Kaas) embodies the revival of the French cabaret style.

### Cancan

Main articles: [Cancan](/source/Cancan) and [Quadrille](/source/Quadrille)

The *Cancan*, also called *French-Cancan*, is a high-energy and physically demanding musical dance, traditionally performed by a [chorus line](/source/Chorus_line) of female dancers who wear costumes with long skirts, petticoats, and black stockings. The main features of the dance are the lifting and manipulation of the skirts, with [high kicking](/source/Glossary_of_ballet_terms#Battement) and suggestive, provocative body movements. The *Infernal Galop* from [Jacques Offenbach](/source/Jacques_Offenbach)'s *[Orpheus in the Underworld](/source/Orpheus_in_the_Underworld)* is the tune most associated with the *Cancan*. The *Cancan* first appeared in the working-class ballrooms of [Montparnasse](/source/Montparnasse) in [Paris](/source/Paris) in around 1830. It was a more lively version of the [Galop](/source/Galop), a dance in quick [2/4 time](/source/Time_signature), which often featured as the final figure in the [Quadrille](/source/Quadrille).

### Chanson

Main article: [Chanson](/source/Chanson)

Chanson Française is the typical style of French music (chanson means "song" in French) and is still very popular in France. Some of the most important artists included: [Édith Piaf](/source/%C3%89dith_Piaf), [Juliette Gréco](/source/Juliette_Gr%C3%A9co), [Mireille Mathieu](/source/Mireille_Mathieu), [Jacques Brel](/source/Jacques_Brel), [Georges Brassens](/source/Georges_Brassens), [Gilbert Bécaud](/source/Gilbert_B%C3%A9caud), [Monique Serf](/source/Monique_Serf) (Barbara), [Léo Ferré](/source/L%C3%A9o_Ferr%C3%A9), [Charles Aznavour](/source/Charles_Aznavour), [Salvatore Adamo](/source/Salvatore_Adamo) and [Dalida](/source/Dalida) plus the more art-house musicians like [Brigitte Fontaine](/source/Brigitte_Fontaine). Also during the 1950s one of the more representative of Montmartre cabaret singers was [Suzanne Robert](/source/Suzanne_Robert).

During the 1970s, new artists modernized the chanson Française ([Michel Fugain](/source/Michel_Fugain), [Renaud](/source/Renaud), [Francis Cabrel](/source/Francis_Cabrel), [Alain Souchon](/source/Alain_Souchon), [Jacques Higelin](/source/Jacques_Higelin), [Alain Chamfort](/source/Alain_Chamfort), [Joe Dassin](/source/Joe_Dassin)) and also in the 80s ([Étienne Daho](/source/%C3%89tienne_Daho), [Têtes Raides](/source/T%C3%AAtes_Raides)) till now ([Benjamin Biolay](/source/Benjamin_Biolay), [Zaz](/source/Zaz_(singer)), [Vincent Delerm](/source/Vincent_Delerm), [Bénabar](/source/B%C3%A9nabar), [Jean-Louis Murat](/source/Jean-Louis_Murat), [Miossec](/source/Miossec), Juliette, [Mano Solo](/source/Mano_Solo), Jacques Higelin, [Matthieu Chedid](/source/Matthieu_Chedid), [Mathieu Boogaerts](/source/Mathieu_Boogaerts), [Daniel Darc](/source/Daniel_Darc), [Maurane](/source/Maurane), [Christina Goh](/source/Christina_Goh), [Renan Luce](/source/Renan_Luce)). Singer-songwriter [Serge Gainsbourg](/source/Serge_Gainsbourg) began as a jazz musician in the 1950s and spanned several eras of French popular music including pop, rock, reggae, new wave, disco and even hip hop.

### Musette

Main articles: [Bal-musette](/source/Bal-musette), [Java (dance)](/source/Java_(dance)), and [Guinguette](/source/Guinguette)

*Musette* is a style of French music and dance that became popular in Paris in the 1880s. Musette uses the [accordion](/source/Accordion) as main instrument, and often symbolizes the French art of living abroad. [Émile Vacher](/source/%C3%89mile_Vacher) (1883-1969) was the star of the new style.[2] Other popular musette accordionists include [Aimable Pluchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aimable_Pluchard&action=edit&redlink=1), [Yvette Horner](/source/Yvette_Horner) and [André Verchuren](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andr%C3%A9_Verchuren&action=edit&redlink=1). In 2001, the musette-style was a huge international success through the album *[Amélie](/source/Am%C3%A9lie_(soundtrack))* composed by [Yann Tiersen](/source/Yann_Tiersen).

[French Musette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Emile_Vacher_-_Mado_-_French_Musette.ogg)

*Mado* by [Émile Vacher](/source/%C3%89mile_Vacher)

*Problems playing this file? See [media help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Media).*

### Yéyé

Main article: [Yéyé](/source/Y%C3%A9y%C3%A9)

*Yéyé* is a style of popular music that emerged from France in the early 1960s. The yé-yé movement had its origins in the radio programme *[Salut les copains](/source/Salut_les_copains_(radio_program))*, which was first aired in October 1959. Most famous [Yéyé](/source/Y%C3%A9y%C3%A9) stars include [Johnny Hallyday](/source/Johnny_Hallyday), [Eddy Mitchell](/source/Eddy_Mitchell), [Richard Anthony](/source/Richard_Anthony_(singer)), [Dick Rivers](/source/Dick_Rivers) and the popular girls such as [France Gall](/source/France_Gall), [Sheila](/source/Sheila_(French_singer)), [Sylvie Vartan](/source/Sylvie_Vartan), and artists who fuse various music genres such as [Chantal Goya](/source/Chantal_Goya), [Dalida](/source/Dalida) or [Claude François](/source/Claude_Fran%C3%A7ois). These were popular female [teen idols](/source/Teen_idol), and included [Françoise Hardy](/source/Fran%C3%A7oise_Hardy), who was the first to write her own songs.

## Contemporary music

[Charles Aznavour](/source/Charles_Aznavour) was a French-Armenian singer, who was widely regarded as one of France's greatest musical artists.

### Nouvelle Chanson

Main article: [Nouvelle Chanson](/source/Nouvelle_Chanson)

### Jazz

Main article: [French jazz](/source/French_jazz)

### Pop

Main article: [French pop](/source/French_pop)

The pop-singer [Mylène Farmer](/source/Myl%C3%A8ne_Farmer) holds the record for the most number one hit singles in the French charts.

The more commercial and pop part of *Chanson* is called *Variété* in French, and included [Vanessa Paradis](/source/Vanessa_Paradis), [Patricia Kaas](/source/Patricia_Kaas), [Patrick Bruel](/source/Patrick_Bruel), [Marc Lavoine](/source/Marc_Lavoine), [Pascal Obispo](/source/Pascal_Obispo), [Florent Pagny](/source/Florent_Pagny), [Francis Cabrel](/source/Francis_Cabrel), [Étienne Daho](/source/%C3%89tienne_Daho), [Alain Souchon](/source/Alain_Souchon), [Laurent Voulzy](/source/Laurent_Voulzy) and [Jean-Jacques Goldman](/source/Jean-Jacques_Goldman). The superstar status of diva [Mylène Farmer](/source/Myl%C3%A8ne_Farmer) inspired pop-rock performers such as [Zazie](/source/Zazie), [Lorie](/source/Lorie_(singer)), [Alizée](/source/Aliz%C3%A9e), and R&B singers like [Nâdiya](/source/N%C3%A2diya) and [Ophelie Winter](/source/Ophelie_Winter).

More recently, the success of musical television shows have spawned a new generation of young pop-music stars including [Nolwenn Leroy](/source/Nolwenn_Leroy), [Grégory Lemarchal](/source/Gr%C3%A9gory_Lemarchal), [Christophe Willem](/source/Christophe_Willem), [Julien Doré](/source/Julien_Dor%C3%A9) and [Élodie Frégé](/source/%C3%89lodie_Fr%C3%A9g%C3%A9). The French-Caribbean singer [Shy'm](/source/Shy'm) enjoys a status of popstar in France since her first album in 2006, as well as her male counterpart [Matt Pokora](/source/Matt_Pokora). Notable pop-rock groups include [Niagara](/source/Niagara_(band)) and [Indochine](/source/Indochine_(band)). Michel Sardou is also known for his love songs ("La maladie d'amour", "Je vais t'aimer").

### Rock

The rock singer [Johnny Hallyday](/source/Johnny_Hallyday) sold more than 110 million records worldwide since 1960.

Main article: [French rock](/source/French_rock)

Rock'n Roll started to become popular in the 60s with singers like [Johnny Hallyday](/source/Johnny_Hallyday). There were also innovative musicians in France as the [psychedelic rock](/source/Psychedelic_rock) trend was peaking worldwide. [Jean-Pierre Massiera](/source/Jean-Pierre_Massiera)'s *[Les Maledictus Sound](/source/Les_Maledictus_Sound)* (1968) and [Aphrodite's Child](/source/Aphrodite's_Child)'s *[666](/source/666_(Aphrodite's_Child_album))* were the most influential. Later came bands such as [Magma](/source/Magma_(band)), [Martin Circus](/source/Martin_Circus), [Au Bonheur des Dames](/source/Au_Bonheur_des_Dames_(band)), [Trust](/source/Trust_(French_band)), [Téléphone](/source/T%C3%A9l%C3%A9phone). In the early 70s, Breton musician [Alan Stivell](/source/Alan_Stivell) (*[Renaissance de la Harpe Celtique](/source/Renaissance_de_la_Harpe_Celtique)*) launched the field of French [folk-rock](/source/Folk-rock) by combining psychedelic and progressive rock sounds with Breton and Celtic folk styles. In the 80s and 90s, bands like [Noir Désir](/source/Noir_D%C3%A9sir) and artists like [Paul Personne](/source/Paul_Personne) carried the torch with grunge and blues influences.

French rock has continued to evolve, blending genres and embracing new influences. Bands like [Phoenix](/source/Phoenix_(French_band)) and [Air](/source/Air_(French_band)) brought French rock to international audiences, mixing elements of indie, electronic, and pop with traditional rock. Phoenix’s 2009 album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix won global acclaim, blending indie rock with catchy, upbeat sounds. In the 2010s, [Indochine](/source/Indochine_(band)), [Shaka Ponk](/source/Shaka_Ponk), and [La Femme](/source/La_Femme_(band)) pushed the boundaries further, combining rock with electronic, funk, and psychedelic influences. Indochine, a long-standing group, continued to captivate with their mix of new wave and rock.

**Progressive Rock**

France became one of the leading producers of [Progressive rock](/source/Progressive_rock) in the 1970s. Aficionados worldwide were enamoured by recordings such as [Ange](/source/Ange_(band))'s *[Le Cimetiere des arlequins](/source/Le_Cimetiere_des_arlequins)*, [Pulsar](/source/Pulsar_(band))'s *[Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halloween_(Pulsar_album)&action=edit&redlink=1)*, [Shylock](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shylock_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1)'s *[Ile de Fievre](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ile_de_Fievre&action=edit&redlink=1)*, [Atoll](/source/Atoll_(band))'s *[L'Araignee-Mal](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=L%27Araignee-Mal&action=edit&redlink=1)* and [Eskaton](/source/Eskaton)'s *[Ardeur](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ardeur&action=edit&redlink=1)*. Most well-known, however, may be the band [Magma](/source/Magma_(band)) which created its own genre, [Zeuhl music](/source/Zeuhl).

**Eighties Rock (1980)**

[Indochine](/source/Indochine_(band)) hit "L'Aventurier" (1982) was inspired by the Belgian comic character [Bob Morane](/source/Bob_Morane).

In the 1980s, French rock spawned myriad styles, many closely connected with other Francophone musical scenes in Switzerland, Canada and especially Belgium. [Pub rock](/source/Pub_rock_(United_Kingdom)) ([Telephone](/source/Telephone_(band))), [psychobilly](/source/Psychobilly) ([La Muerte](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Muerte_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1)), [pop punk](/source/Pop_punk) ([Les Thugs](/source/Les_Thugs)), [synthpop](/source/Synthpop) and [punk rock](/source/Punk_rock) ([Bérurier Noir](/source/B%C3%A9rurier_Noir), [Bijou](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bijou_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Gill Dougherty](/source/Gill_Dougherty)) were among the styles represented in this era. Beginning in the 1980s, [Les Rita Mitsouko](/source/Les_Rita_Mitsouko) became very popular throughout Europe with their unique blending of punk, new wave, dance and cabaret elements.

Punk rock had arisen in the 1970s and continued into the next decade, perhaps best represented by [Minimum Vital](/source/Minimum_Vital) who are still active, [Oberkampf](/source/Oberkampf_(band)) and [Métal Urbain](/source/M%C3%A9tal_Urbain). 80s progressive rock peaked early in the decade, with [Dün](/source/D%C3%BCn_(band))'s *[Eros](/source/Eros_(D%C3%BCn_album))*, [Emeraude](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Emeraude_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1)'s *[Geoffroy](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geoffroy_(album)&action=edit&redlink=1)* and [Terpandre](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Terpandre&action=edit&redlink=1)'s *[Terpandre](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Terpandre_(album)&action=edit&redlink=1)*, all from 1981, representing the genre's pinnacle, in French West Indies (Guadeloupe Island) The Bolokos represent the genre.

### Metal

French heavy metal bands include [Gojira](/source/Gojira_(band)), [Dagoba](/source/Dagoba_(band)), [Anorexia Nervosa](/source/Anorexia_Nervosa_(band)), [Hacride](/source/Hacride), [Eths](/source/Eths), [Loudblast](/source/Loudblast), Carcariass, [Massacra](/source/Massacra), [Gorod](/source/Gorod_(band)), [Kronos](/source/Kronos_(band)), [Yyrkoon](/source/Yyrkoon_(band)), [Benighted](/source/Benighted), [Necrowretch](/source/Necrowretch),[3] and [Fairyland](/source/Fairyland_(band)). Many of these bands play in the [death metal](/source/Death_metal), [thrash metal](/source/Thrash_metal) and/or [power metal](/source/Power_metal) styles.[4]

France also has a large black metal movement, including, [Belenos](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Belenos_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1), [Deathspell Omega](/source/Deathspell_Omega), [Nocturnal Depression](/source/Nocturnal_Depression), [Blut Aus Nord](/source/Blut_Aus_Nord), [Peste Noire](/source/Peste_Noire), [Vorkreist](/source/Vorkreist), [Arkhon Infaustus](/source/Arkhon_Infaustus), [Merrimack](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Merrimack_(band)&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Antaeus](/source/Antaeus_(band)), and the organization known as [Les Légions Noires](/source/Les_L%C3%A9gions_Noires) made up of such bands as [Mütiilation](/source/M%C3%BCtiilation), [Vlad Tepes](/source/Vlad_Tepes_(band)) and Torgeist. The '[shoegaze](/source/Shoegaze)' black metal movement also has many bands hailing from France, such as [Alcest](/source/Alcest), [Les Discrets](/source/Les_Discrets) and [Amesoeurs](/source/Amesoeurs).

### Electronic

Main article: [French electronic music](/source/French_electronic_music)

The pioneer of electronic music [Jean-Michel Jarre](/source/Jean-Michel_Jarre).

[Daft Punk](/source/Daft_Punk) in Miami, FL.

[Electronic music](/source/Electronic_music), as exemplified by [Jean Michel Jarre](/source/Jean_Michel_Jarre) and [Cerrone](/source/Cerrone), achieved a wide French audience. The French electro-pop duos [Air](/source/Air_(French_band)) and [Daft Punk](/source/Daft_Punk) and [techno](/source/Techno_music) artists [Laurent Garnier](/source/Laurent_Garnier) and [David Guetta](/source/David_Guetta) found a wide audience in the late 1990s and early first decade of the 21st century, both locally and internationally. Groups such as [Justice](/source/Justice_(band)), [M83](/source/M83_(band)), [Phoenix](/source/Phoenix_(French_band)), [Télépopmusik](/source/T%C3%A9l%C3%A9popmusik) and [Klingande](/source/Klingande) continue to enjoy success.

### Dance

Main article: [French touch](/source/French_touch)

[Zaz](/source/Zaz_(singer)) known for her unique voice and eclectic musical style.

[French house](/source/French_house) is a late 1990s form of [house music](/source/House_music), part of the 1990s and first decade of the 21st-century European dance music scene and the latest form of [Euro disco](/source/Euro_disco). The genre is also known as "Disco house", "Neu-disco" (new disco), "French touch", "filter house" or "tekfunk". The early mid/late 1990s productions was notable for the "filter effect" used by artists such as [Daft Punk](/source/Daft_Punk).[5] Other productions use more mainstream vocals and samples. French house is greatly influenced by the 1970s [Euro disco](/source/Euro_disco) and especially the short lived [space disco](/source/Space_disco) music style (a European (mostly French) variation of [Hi-NRG](/source/Hi-NRG) disco), and also by [P-Funk](/source/P-Funk) and the productions of [Thomas Bangalter](/source/Thomas_Bangalter).

The first French house experiments (at the time called "disco house" and "neu disco") became notable in the international market between 1997 and 1999. [Daft Punk](/source/Daft_Punk), [Stardust](/source/Stardust_(band)) and [Cassius](/source/Cassius_(band)) were the first international successful artists of the genre and their videos show their "space disco" roots.

Several artists played important roles in popularizing the genre, which, in 2000, achieved international success. [Bob Sinclar](/source/Bob_Sinclar)'s single "I Feel For You" charted in several countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. [Etienne de Crécy](/source/Etienne_de_Cr%C3%A9cy)'s album *Tempovision* charted at #57 in France and included the successful single "Am I Wrong." In September, the French house group [Modjo](/source/Modjo) released "[Lady (Hear Me Tonight)](/source/Lady_(Hear_Me_Tonight)), which debuted at #1 in the UK and became a top-ten hit in thirteen countries. [Galleon](/source/Galleon_(band)) followed the next year.

Today most French house bands and artists have moved on to other music styles, notably a French variation of [electro](/source/Electro_music), that is danced on the milky way/[Tecktonik](/source/Tecktonik) style.

### Disco

The [Village People](/source/Village_People), co-founded by the two French composers [Jacques Morali](/source/Jacques_Morali) and [Henri Belolo](/source/Henri_Belolo), was a major international disco group. Notable French disco singers also include [Dalida](/source/Dalida), [Sheila and B. Devotion](/source/Sheila_and_B._Devotion), [Ottawan](/source/Ottawan), [Voyage](/source/Voyage_(band)), [Cerrone](/source/Cerrone), [Patrick Hernandez](/source/Patrick_Hernandez) and [F.R. David](/source/F.R._David), respectively known for their worldwide hits "[Monday, Tuesday... Laissez-moi danser](/source/Monday%2C_Tuesday..._Laissez-moi_danser)" (1979), "Spacer" (1979), "[D.I.S.C.O.](/source/D.I.S.C.O.)" (1979), "You're OK / T'es OK" (1980), *Souvenirs* (1978), "[Supernature](/source/Supernature_(Cerrone_song))" (1977), "[Born to Be Alive](/source/Born_to_Be_Alive_(song))" (1979) and "[Words](/source/Words_(F._R._David_song))" (1982).

### Hip-Hop

Main article: [French hip hop](/source/French_hip_hop)

[Hip hop music](/source/Hip_hop_music) was exported to France in the 1980s, and French [rappers](/source/Rapping) and [DJs](/source/DJ) such as [David Guetta](/source/David_Guetta) and [MC Solaar](/source/MC_Solaar), also had some success. [Hip hop music](/source/Hip_hop_music) came from New York City, invented in the 1970s by [African Americans](/source/African_Americans). By 1983, the genre had spread to much of the world, including France. Almost immediately, French performers (musicians and [breakdancers](/source/Breakdancing)) began their career, including [Max-Laure Bourjolly](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Max-Laure_Bourjolly&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Traction Avant](/source/Traction_Avant). Popularity was brief, however, and hip hop quickly receded to the French underground. Hip-hop was adapted to French context, especially the poverty of large cities known as banlieues ("suburbs") where many French of foreign descent live, especially from the former colonial countries (West Africa and Caribbean). If there is some influence of African musics and of course American hip hop, French hip-hop is also strongly connected to French music, with strong reciprocal influences, from French pop and chanson, both in music and lyrics.

*[Paname City Rappin](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paname_City_Rappin&action=edit&redlink=1)* (1984, by [Dee Nasty](/source/Dee_Nasty)) was the first album released, and the first major stars were [IAM](/source/IAM_(band)), [Suprême NTM](/source/Supr%C3%AAme_NTM) and [MC Solaar](/source/MC_Solaar), whose 1991 *[Qui Sème le Vent Récolte le Tempo](/source/Qui_S%C3%A8me_le_Vent_R%C3%A9colte_le_Tempo)*, was a major hit. Through the nineties, the music grew to become one of the most popular genres in France with huge success of the pioneers (IAM, Suprême NTM) and newcomers ([Ministère Amer](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minist%C3%A8re_Amer&action=edit&redlink=1), [Oxmo Puccino](/source/Oxmo_Puccino), [Lunatic](/source/Lunatic_(group))). France is the world's second-largest hip-hop market. The most popular rappers of the 2000s are [Diam's](/source/Diam's), [Booba](/source/Booba) and [Kenza Farah](/source/Kenza_Farah) with successful artists more underground such as [La Rumeur](/source/La_Rumeur), [la Caution](/source/La_Caution) and [TTC](/source/TTC_(band)).

## Overseas music

### French Polynesia

A [ʻupaʻupa](/source/'upa'upa), a traditional dance from [Tahiti](/source/Tahiti) (1900).

Main articles: [Music of French Polynesia](/source/Music_of_French_Polynesia) and [Music of Tahiti](/source/Music_of_Tahiti)

### Réunion island

Main article: [Music of Réunion](/source/Music_of_R%C3%A9union)

[Séga music](/source/Sega_music) is a popular style that mixes African and European music. The most popular sega musicians include Ousanousava, [Baster](/source/Baster_(band)), Maxime Laope. [Maloya music](/source/Maloya_music) has a strong African element reflected in the use of slave chants and work songs. The most popular sega musicians include [Danyèl Waro](/source/Dany%C3%A8l_Waro), Firmin Viry, Granmoun Lélé, Mars tou sèl.

### Martinique and Guadeloupe

Main articles: [Music of Martinique](/source/Music_of_Martinique) and [Music of Guadeloupe](/source/Music_of_Guadeloupe)

**Zouk**

Zouk is a fast jump-up carnival beat originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, popularized by the French Antillean band [Kassav'](/source/Kassav') in the 1980s. Very rapid in tempo, the style lost ground in the 1980s due to the strong presence of kadans or compas, the main music of the French Antilles. Today, zouk is the French Antilles compas,[6] also called zouk-love In Africa, Kassav's zouk and the Haitian [compas](/source/Compas) they featured, gained popularity in [francophone](/source/Francophone) and [lusophone](/source/Lusophone) countries. It is also particularly popular in North America in the Canadian province of Quebec.

**Bouyon**

[Bouyon (Boo-Yon)](/source/Bouyon_music) is a form of popular [music of Dominica](/source/Music_of_Dominica), also known as jump up music in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The best-known band in the genre is [Windward Caribbean Kulture](/source/Windward_Caribbean_Kulture) (WCK), who originated the style in 1988. Over the years, thanks to inter-trade with the Dominicans and the mass participation of Guadeloupe at the [World Creole Music Festival](/source/World_Creole_Music_Festival), the flagship group as Triple kay and MFR band began to democratize and local artists were inducted including the remix Allo Triple kay with Daly and "Big Ting Poppin 'Daly alone. A popular offshoot within the bouyon is called **[bouyon hardcore](/source/Bouyon_music#bouyon_hardcore)**, a style characterized by its lewd and violent lyrics. Popular Bouyon gwada musicians include, Wee Low, Suppa, Doc J, Yellow gaza, etc.

**Antilles hip hop**

The French Antilles hip hop is a style of [hip hop music](/source/Hip_hop_music) originating from the French departments of [Guadeloupe](/source/Guadeloupe) and [Martinique](/source/Martinique) in the Caribbean. Usually in French and [Antillean creole](/source/Antillean_creole), the [French Antilles](/source/French_Antilles) hip hop is most popular in the French Antilles and [France](/source/France).

**Rock In Gwada**

Although a minority genre, French Antilles rock groups participate in the broadening of the Caribbean musical spectrum. The spearheads like The Bolokos[7][8] or Livestocks include themes, rhythms or Caribbean melodies on British or American influences. The "Rock In Gwada" collective brings together some of these groups whose first festival took place in Petit-Bourg in 2016.[9]

## International music

[France Gall](/source/France_Gall) gained international fame with her wins in the [Eurovision Song Contest](/source/Eurovision_Song_Contest) in 1965. Representing [Luxembourg](/source/Luxembourg)

[French language](/source/French_language) is spoken worldwide and many international artists contribute to French music.

### Europe

Main articles: [Music of Belgium](/source/Music_of_Belgium), [Music of Switzerland](/source/Music_of_Switzerland), [Music of Monaco](/source/Music_of_Monaco), and [Music of Luxembourg](/source/Music_of_Luxembourg)

[Jacques Brel](/source/Jacques_Brel).

The greatest Belgian chansonnier was [Jacques Brel](/source/Jacques_Brel), whose classic songs have been covered by several international artists. Others such as [Salvatore Adamo](/source/Salvatore_Adamo), [Axelle Red](/source/Axelle_Red), [Lara Fabian](/source/Lara_Fabian), [Maurane](/source/Maurane), [Selah Sue](/source/Selah_Sue), [Frédéric François](/source/Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric_Fran%C3%A7ois) and [Annie Cordy](/source/Annie_Cordy) have also enjoyed some success in France and other French-speaking countries.

### North America

Main articles: [Music of Quebec](/source/Music_of_Quebec) and [Music of Louisiana](/source/Music_of_Louisiana)

Quebec singers are very popular in France, and both nations have influenced each other in terms of music styles. Quebec artists have been taking the French stage quite extensively. Notable singers that have performed in France included: [Céline Dion](/source/Celine_Dion), [Diane Tell](/source/Diane_Tell), [Cœur de pirate](/source/C%C5%93ur_de_pirate), [Garou](/source/Garou_(singer)), [Isabelle Boulay](/source/Isabelle_Boulay), [Lynda Lemay](/source/Lynda_Lemay) and many others. [Roch Voisine](/source/Roch_Voisine) and [Natasha St-Pier](/source/Natasha_St-Pier), who are of [Acadian](/source/Acadian) heritage, reached the top of charts in France with their famous songs "[Hélène](/source/H%C3%A9l%C3%A8ne_(Roch_Voisine_song))" (1989) and "[Tu trouveras](/source/Tu_trouveras)" (2002). Rock singer [Avril Lavigne](/source/Avril_Lavigne), whose father is of French origin (born in [Lorraine](/source/Lorraine_(region))), is also popular in France, and she obtained her French passport and citizenship in 2011.[10][11] [Salvatore Adamo](/source/Salvatore_Adamo) and [Charles Aznavour](/source/Charles_Aznavour) are widely recognized in America

### Asia

[Anggun](/source/Anggun) during her concert in [Le Trianon](/source/Le_Trianon_(theatre)), Paris (2012).

One of the most famous French-speaking Asian artists is [Anggun](/source/Anggun), a French-naturalised singer from [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia), best known for her single *La Neige au Sahara* ([Snow on the Sahara](/source/Snow_on_the_Sahara_(song))) written by [Erick Benzi](/source/Erick_Benzi). The song was released in 1997 as her debut international single in 33 countries worldwide, and made the charts in Europe (#1 in Italy), America (#16 in USA Billboard), and Asia (#1 in Indonesia, #3 in Malaysia). French music also found surprising favorable reception in [Japan](/source/Japan), where the language and culture from France is often seen as romantic. Some Japanese groups use the French language, such as [Malice Mizer](/source/Malice_Mizer) or [Versailles](/source/Versailles_(band)), named after the [Château de Versailles](/source/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Versailles). [Charles Aznavour](/source/Charles_Aznavour) and [Mireille Mathieu](/source/Mireille_Mathieu) are widely recognized in Japan.

### Africa

Beginning in the 1920s, [Raï music](/source/Ra%C3%AF) developed in Algeria as a combination of rural and urban music. Often viewed as a form of resistance towards censorship, many of the conventional values of the old raï became modernized with instruments, synthesizers and modern equipment. Later performers added influences from [funk](/source/Funk), [hip hop](/source/Hip_hop_music), [rock](/source/Rock_and_roll) and other styles, creating most notably a pop genre called [lover's raï](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lover%27s_ra%C3%AF&action=edit&redlink=1). Performers include [Rachid Taha](/source/Rachid_Taha) and [Faudel](/source/Faudel). Originating of the city of [Oran](/source/Oran), raï shot to the top of the French, Swiss and Dutch charts in 1992 with the release of [Khaled](/source/Khaled_(musician))'s single *[Didi](/source/Didi_(song))*.

## Music journals

### Volume!

One journal that provides coverage of popular music in France along with popular music history is [Volume!](/source/Volume!). *Volume!* (subtitled in French:*La revue des musiques populaires* - The journal of popular music studies) is a biannual (May & November) [peer-reviewed](/source/Peer_review) [academic journal](/source/Academic_journal) "*dedicated to the study of contemporary [popular music](/source/Popular_music)*".[12] It is published by Éditions Mélanie Seteun, a publishing association specialized in popular music. The journal has both French and English editions.[13] *Volume!* was established in 2002 under the title *Copyright Volume!* by Gérôme Guibert,[14] Marie-Pierre Bonniol, and Samuel Étienne, and obtained its current name in 2008. Étienne ([Université de la Polynésie Française](/source/Universit%C3%A9_de_la_Polyn%C3%A9sie_Fran%C3%A7aise)) was its first [editor-in-chief](/source/Editor-in-chief) (2002–2008), before Guibert ([University of Paris III: Sorbonne Nouvelle](/source/University_of_Paris_III%3A_Sorbonne_Nouvelle)) took over in 2008.[15][16][17]

## See also

- [History of music in Paris](/source/History_of_music_in_Paris)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["On the (medieval) fiddle: a short introduction to the vielle"](https://earlymusicmuse.com/vielle-introduction/). *Early Music Muse*. 2015-11-22. Retrieved 2017-09-19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** *World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East* Page 113 Simon Broughton, Mark Ellingham, Richard Trillo - 1999 "Emile Vacher Once the accordion took over from the cabrette in the bals-musette, Vacher (1883-1969) was the star of the new style."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Necrowretch (Vlad - Noisefull)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171011041846/http://noisefull.com/interviews/necrowretch-vlad). Noisefull.com. January 22, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://noisefull.com/interviews/necrowretch-vlad) on October 11, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Adrien Begrand. ["Gojira, The Way of All Flesh"](https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/gojira-the-way-of-all-flesh). [PopMatters](/source/PopMatters). Retrieved 2008-12-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["village voice > music > Daft Punk by Scott Woods"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080604064436/http://www.villagevoice.com/music/9940,woods,8763,22.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.villagevoice.com/music/9940,woods,8763,22.html) on 2008-06-04. Retrieved 2008-10-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Peter Manuel, Musics of the Non-Western World, Chicago press University 1988p74

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["The Bolokos : Véritable succès pour les guadeloupéens au festival anglais Rebellion"](https://www.rci.fm/guadeloupe/infos/Culture/Bolokos-veritable-succes-pour-les-guadeloupeens-au-festival-anglais-Rebellion).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Bolokos s'est produit au Jardin d'EAU dans une ambiance punk rock - Culture en Guadeloupe"](https://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/actualite/culture/the-bolokos-s-est-produit-au-jardin-d-eau-dans-une-ambiance-punk-rock-531699.php). 3 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Près de 800 spectateurs au Rock in Gwada festival - Culture en Guadeloupe"](https://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/actualite/culture/pres-de-800-spectateurs-au-rock-in-gwada-festival-358709.php?pos=2). 25 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Lavigne, April (9 February 2011). ["Interview on NRJ Radio"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140905192626/https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/eQil1_A8eYU?start=47&autoplay=1). Archived from [the original](http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/eQil1_A8eYU?start=47&autoplay=1) on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2013. I love France, in fact my father was born here, so I have applied for my French passport. I love this country so much that I am getting a French passport

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** *Lavigne* means "Vineyard", and *Avril* means "April", in French language

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [Cairn.info Thomas, 2010: 404](http://www.cairn.info/resume.php?ID_ARTICLE=ANSO_102_0403).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [List of articles in English can be found](http://volume.revues.org/2135)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris3 - M. GUIBERT Gérôme"](http://www.univ-paris3.fr/1283238432020/0/fiche___annuaireksup/). [University of Paris III: Sorbonne Nouvelle](/source/University_of_Paris_III%3A_Sorbonne_Nouvelle). Retrieved 2012-05-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Transcript](http://iaspmfrancophone.online.fr/colloque2007/Looseley_2007.pdf) of Guibert's presentation during the 2007 francophone IASPM conference. ([English translation](https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://iaspmfrancophone.online.fr/colloque2007/Looseley_2007.pdf&ei=tnUbTpm1JILt0gHH_aCWBQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DSynth%25C3%25A8se%2Bdu%2Bpremier%2Bcolloque%2Bde%2Bl%25E2%2580%2599IASPM%2B%25E2%2580%2593%2Bbranche%2Bfrancophone%2Bd%25E2%2580%2599Europe%2Borganis%25C3%25A9%2Bles%2B8%2Bet%2B9%2Bf%25C3%25A9vrier%2B2007%2B%25C3%25A0%2BLouvain-La-Neuve,%2BBelgique%2Bpar%2BChristophe%2BPirenne.%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4GWYA_enUS318US318%26prmd%3Divnso))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Philippe Le Guern (2003), ""The Study of Popular Music between Sociology and Aesthetics: A Survey of Current Research in France", in Hugh Dauncey & Steve Cannon (eds), *Popular music in France from chanson to techno : culture, identity, and society*, Burlington, Ashgate: 7-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** "[…] *de nouvelles revues ont réussi à voir le jour et constituent des lieux d’expression appréciables, notamment pour les jeunes chercheurs qui peuvent y faire leurs premières armes, ou pour des auteurs étrangers peu ou mal connus en France.*[footnote:] *On pense notamment à la revue Volume dont le premier numéro voit le jour en 2002 et qui a su accompagner la diversification des musiques actuelles*." [Philippe Le Guern (2007)](http://www.cairn.info/resume.php?ID_ARTICLE=RES_141_0015).

- Boll, André, and Émil Damais. *Répertoire analytique de la musique française, des origins à nos jours*. Paris: Horizons de France, 1948.

- Krümm, Philippe and Jean-Pierre Rasle. "Music of the Regions". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), *World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East*, pp 103–113. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85828-636-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85828-636-0)

## External links

- [French-kisses, A blog in English dedicated to French music](https://french-kisses.blogspot.com)

- [BBC Radio 3 Audio (105 minutes): Marseille - Mahgreb Rap, Algerian Rai, Pacific Creole, Congolese Rumba.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005y1d7) Accessed November 25, 2010.

- (in French) [Audio clips: Traditional music of France.](http://www.ville-ge.ch/meg/musinfo_ph.php?what=pays=France&debut=0&bool=AND) [Musée d'ethnographie de Genève](/source/Mus%C3%A9e_d'ethnographie_de_Gen%C3%A8ve). Accessed November 25, 2010.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Music of France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_France) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_France?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.