Chanson Music

     The chanson style of music is any lyric-driven French song, usually polyphonic and secular. Singers specializing in chanson are known as either a "chanteur" (male) or "chanteuse"(female).  The earliest chansons were the epic poems, and usually recounted the famous deeds of heroes from the past.
     Chanson takes many forms: chanson de geste, chanson cortoise, Burgundian chanson, Parisian chanson, modern chanson, and nouvelle chanson. This style of music dates back to the Renaissance and is still used in modern day. Some artists who sing in this style are Juliette Greco, Barbaro, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Georges Brassens, and Jean Ferret.
     In general, this music has a very smooth and organized sound. It is when the rhythm of music follows that of the text. Chanson is a basic style, and most French singers and songwriters use it. Chanson songs are often like poems. In the 1950s, singers use to write songs in an assumed literary approach.
     Two of the greatest chanson artists are Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier. They were both international stars. Edith was an international diva and was a French cabaret. She often sang about the love and sorrow aspects of her life. Maurice was a cabaret singer and entertainer. He is known for always wearing a boater hat and a tuxedo. Maurice is from Paris and is perhaps best known for his signature song, "Louise." These are both fantastic artists that have left an impressive mark in chanson music history.