A unique blend of Jewish musical tradition can be identified in the music that characterizes Paris - the chansons of Chanson.
The song "À Paris" - created by Francis Lemarque, the Jewish musician, became the calling card of the capital of France.
At the beginning of the 20th century, when cultures met and mingled, the world of Jewish music left its mark on French musical culture. Jewish singers, composers, and musicians influenced the French music scene, leading to a fascinating and unique musical dialogue.
For example, a music-loving Jewish traveler sitting in a kosher restaurant in Paris might suddenly hear in the background a recording of Catherine Lara with the sounds of klezmer musicians.
Catherine Lara, the French pop icon of the 2000s, a singer and composer, recorded a special album titled "Au coeur de l'âme Yiddish" (In the Depths of the Yiddish Soul), in collaboration with the well-known French klezmer ensemble, Sirba Octet.
In an interview with a Jewish newspaper in French, the singer explains: "I am not Jewish, but my violin's soul is a Jewish soul. In Yiddish music, there is always a depth that personally moves me in a strong and impressive way. The universe of Jewish music is so fragile. I have a spontaneous passion and affinity for Jewish music." These are the reasons why I decided to give my chansons a new and original melody in the klezmer style. The new arrangement provides the chansons with the melancholy and optimism of Jewish music.
Over the years, a unique development has occurred in the popular music genre, combining French creativity with Jewish melodies. Georges Moché, a cultural journalist and critic, argues that popular Jewish music entered French culture through Chanson.
French singer and composer Charles Aznavour, who grew up in diverse cultures - Armenian, French, and Russian, sang Jewish songs and incorporated popular Jewish music into his performances and works. Charles Aznavour left us with timeless performances of "Hava Nagila" and "Yiddishe Mama."
And if you don't know them? - You can find them in music stores in the Jewish quarter of Paris. Even as a nice souvenir from a trip that carries the sounds of Paris with a Jewish accent.
Charles Aznavour's encounter with Edith Piaf was one of the most significant events in his life. In 1946, they randomly met in a Parisian cabaret. From here began Aznavour's professional career as a chansonnier. Edith Piaf invited him to join her series of performances in the United States. Later, Aznavour wrote songs for Piaf's performances and also took on additional roles such as producer, personal secretary, and even driver. Aznavour later revealed that every time he worked with Edith Piaf, he trained in developing his voice, and as a result, his vocal range expanded by almost three octaves.
Undoubtedly, the music of Charles Aznavour is the most Parisian, characterizing the French way of life and adding a more romantic aspect to your trip. We, at Chabadmap, will show you where you can hear the authentic Parisian chanson. And if you want, you can go see Aznavour's family.
During World War II, when France was occupied by Nazi Germany, the Aznavour family apartment in Paris became a refuge for Jews and members of the resistance. Aznavour's father was one of the prominent resistance activists in Paris. He and his family provided all possible assistance and hid Jews in their home from Nazi persecution. In 2017, Charles Aznavour was awarded the "Raoul Wallenberg" medal for saving Jews during the Holocaust. The award was presented to him in Jerusalem by the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin.
Chabadmap invites you to a tour following the French chanson with Jewish touches
Nathan Korber, known as a musician in France under the name Francis Lemarque, was born in Paris in 1917 into a Jewish family that fled to France from the Russian Revolution. At a very young age, Nathan had to leave his studies and work for a living in a factory. But the world of music attracted him, and together with his brother Morris, Nathan Korber formed a musical duo and began performing in Parisian cafes before the outbreak of World War II. During the German occupation, Nathan joined the Resistance and participated in battles against the Nazis. After the war, he returned to perform on stage in Paris in restaurants and cabarets.
The Jewish culture significantly influenced Lemarque's musical career. He and his works became a symbol of the unique combination of Jewish music in French musical culture.
As a Jewish musician, Lemarque continued to create and perform, gaining recognition in the French music community. The collaborative work of Francis Lemarque with Ivor Montand turned the chanson into a source of musical innovations. Accordion melodies became an integral part of almost all of Lemarque's works, and a kind of musical symbol of Paris. Changes in musical composition introduced Jewish music elements and its spirit into the chanson, leading to the development of new and unique musical genres.
The klezmer-style wedding tune "Yoska Yoska" is one of the most famous Jewish songs in France. Many singers such as Renée Lebas, Dalida, Rika Zaraï, and other chanson stars adopted the Jewish song and performed it in concerts, shows, and restaurants.
Even the singer Fanny Ardant is known for her love of Jewish music. Ardant's music is not just a cinema of rhythmic sounds - it is a musical story that unfolds in real-time. In her performances, she recreates the spirit of creativity and musical freedom, surprising and exciting the audience as one. French chanson and Yiddish songs connect in her concerts, and often she sings traditional Jewish songs.
In the performances of Jean Tatlian, the French singer, you can enjoy a unique musical dialogue between two worlds: French chanson and Yiddish. Tatlian's musical path appears as an emotional story, resonating with the sounds of Yiddish instruments. Jean Tatlian opens a window for the audience to the rich and diverse world of Yiddish culture, this time inspired by Yiddish musical culture.
Jewish music in Paris is a multi-faceted story, capturing attention and deep in meaning. We have mentioned only a small part of the voices and singers here. But together with Chabadmap, you can expand the topic according to your taste and plan a musical tour in Paris. We will be happy if you get to know the Jewish melody in the city of thousands of lights and sounds - Paris.
