List of chanson singers of different periods

The word "chanson" is translated from French as "song". Today this term is called the vocal genre. But in the Renaissance in France it was called a secular multi-part song. This continued until the end of the 19th century. In the 80s, pop songs performed in cabaret also became known as "chanson". They were small life stories that were told to the music. The heyday of this musical genre came in the 50th years of the last century. It was then that in France and other French-speaking countries, many talented chanson singers appeared on the music arena. The list of these performers in gold letters is inscribed in the history of French music.

Early chanson

In the Middle Ages before the emergence of chanson - many-voiced secular songs - there were trunks - singalose vocal works. The founder of this genre was the composer of the 14th century Guy de Macho. Following him, his colleagues from Burgundy G. Dufay and J. Benshua created three-part songs. Since the 16th century, the Paris School of Chanson, led by C. de Sermisi, P. Serton, and others has emerged, which later spread throughout Europe.

Contemporary chanson

The period of modern chanson begins at the end of the 19th century. The first singers of this genre were Astrid Bruan, Mistingett and others. They performed in a cabaret. Later, in the early years of the 20th century, the modified chanson - "realistic song" (chanson réaliste) - rose to the professional stage. The names of the performers of the compositions in this genre are included in the first list of chanson singers: Edith Piaf, Ferel, Damia, etc. A little later, in the middle of the same century, two main trends of the modern French-language song were formed: classical chanson and pop song.

Genre of classical chanson

A prerequisite for songs of this genre is the poetic component. As a rule, the author and performer of these vocal works are the same person. The list of chanson singers of this period is also headed by the inimitable Edith Piaf. Other authors-performers in this genre were M. Chevalier, Sh. Trene, J. Brassens and others. Famous French singers S. Adamo and S. Aznavour, despite the fact that their work is closer to pop music, are also on the list of chanson singers.

The performers of this poetic-musical genre of that time began to be called "chansonnier". For them, the most important were the lyrics, their content and meaning. Singers of the new chanson used in their performances elements of various genres: from rock to jazz.

In France, there have always been a lot of variety singers who perform songs of their own composition. However, their works because of the ease of content are not considered a chanson, so celebrities such as M. Mathieu, J. Dassin, Dalida, Lara Fabian and Patricia Kaas are not included in the list of chanson singers of the 20th century. Perhaps outside France they are considered chansonnier, but on French soil there is a conditional border between these two genres: the stage and the chanson.

Chanson in the 21st century

With the advent of the new millennium, the public's interest in this musical direction has not died away. There were popular chanson singers. The list, which was conducted for almost 100 years, was supplemented by new names: O. Ruiz, K. Clementi, K. Ann, and others.

Conclusion

The French song in many respects differs from other European musical directions. It is more melodic, romantic, tender. It is eternal. The songs of Charles Aznavour are listened to by more than one generation of music lovers all over the world. His compositions Bel, Bogem, Eternal Love and others became immortal masterpieces of world art. Despite the fact that modern French music has lowered the bar in recent years, hope does not fade away that the lists of chanson singers will be replenished with new names that will raise this genre to a new level.