La Chanson française

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will examine the rich traditions of French folk, popular and liturgical music. Songs (secular and religious) and musical styles from the Medieval to the modern period will be considered in examples of specific songs as well as in songbooks from the 18th century to the present. Among the themes considered will be: the role of music and songs in the establishment of cultural identity and in the process of cultural transmission, the role of songs and music in various films and texts, the musical adaptation of poetic texts and the fitting of lyrics (secular and sacred) to classical or popular melodies. In this class, emphasis will be on pronunciation and articulation of song lyrics and in some cases on the development of harmonies on simple melodies. No musical experience or knowledge is necessary. French level 20202 or higher is required. Taught in French. Readings will include works of: Hémon, Makine, Baudelaire, Nerval, and others as well as several films.