A Bit About French Chanson
French chanson, like the French language, floats on an air of grace and elegance. Many of these charming songs grew out of a strong art music tradition that became more relaxed in the late 19th century. More leisure time allowed people to enjoy an afternoon of dancing at the guinguette. These public dance halls, and later, cabaret clubs and cafés introduced playful, often lighthearted songs.
The repertoire expanded to include a more serious content as some singers, like Edith Piaf, demanded more from composers. Marguerite Monnot, Charles Dumont, Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, Charles Trenet, and Vincent Scotto contributed greatly to this rich musical anthology.
Two Gypsy Kisses, with its rich, authentic French stylings continues their legacy.
