The musical poetry of the Troubadours
The memory of the Périgord is particularly attached to four local troubadours: Arnaut Daniel de Ribérac, Giraut de Bornelh d'Excideuil, Arnaut de Maruelh de Mareuil-sur-Belle and Bertran de Born d'Hautefort. It is often forgotten that in the 12th century, there were also trobairitz (Occitan name for women troubadours) who made their voices heard, alongside and on an equal footing with the men, not only in love songs, but also in everyday life, whether lordly, civil or religious. Generally speaking, the troubadours were the first representatives of fin'amor or courtly love. Their songs are the first written evidence of a musical tradition using a Romance language. The troubadour tradition spanned two centuries from the first songs of William IX of Aquitaine (1071-1126). The decline of this trend began at the beginning of the 13th century at the time of the Albigensian Crusade (1209). More and more troubadours went into exile in the courts of northern Italy and Catalonia, where they were very well received. These regions became heirs to the knowledge and know-how of the Perigordian troubadours, allowing Occitan music and language to spread far beyond the borders of the kingdom of France.
Occitan folklore revisited
In the Périgord, there are many folklore groups that perpetuate musical traditions. They are composed of singers, dancers, storytellers and musicians. All of them keep the local traditions alive during festivities such as the félibrées and the occitan festivals, where they perform in traditional costumes. The dances practised range from the bourrée to the scottish, via the mazurka and the polka. The instruments used are all from a very old tradition. The hurdy-gurdy is a kind of violin whose strings are set in vibration by rubbing a rosin-coated wheel while activating a crank. These are old and original instruments, often precious by their rarity and the work of marquetry. The cabrette is a wind instrument of the bagpipe family. It is powered by a bellows and not by the player's mouth. It takes its name from the goat skin that makes it up. Let us quote finally the diatonic accordion. It is the ancestor of the chromatic accordion. It is powerful and holds the chord well. In orchestra, it is often associated with the cabrette, the hurdy-gurdy and sometimes with fifes.
Today, the renewed interest in the Occitan culture and language has led to a rediscovery of traditional Perigordian repertoires and a general revival of Occitan musical productions. The group Peiraguda, founded in 1978 (split up then reformed), sings exclusively in Occitan (Sarlatan) and has chosen a resolutely folk style. Joan-Pau Verdier (1947-2020) was a fervent defender of Occitan culture. However, he always opposed artistically the "occitanists" and the folklorists. His music is eclectic: rock, blues, jazz-rock, tango, folk. He has given all the musical colours to his songs, whether they are in French or especially in Occitan
During your visits to the beautiful villages of the Périgord, you may have the chance to stretch your legs at a "bal trad", to the sound of new Occitan music. Don't hesitate to join in the dance!
Josephine Baker, the most Perigordian of Missouri stars
We cannot end this musical section without mentioning this incredible woman. In the light of today's problems, she had an extraordinary career: born in poverty, in a segregated environment, of a mixed Indian and black mother, while her father was of Spanish origin. However, she managed to live her passion and become a true diva who provoked the adoration of her fans. But her career was not a smooth one, because her contemporaries did not hesitate to disguise her as an "animal" as a black dancer. From her first performances, Paris was at her feet. Josephine Baker, with her banana loincloth and her dances with exotic rhythms, quickly became a Parisian icon. Dancing was not enough for her immense talent and when she embraced a career in singing, success was also on the cards. During the Second World War, she joined the Resistance with all her might. In 1939, Josephine Baker became a counter-espionage agent in Paris for the Resistance, was active in the French Red Cross, and joined the Air Force. She was active alongside Martin Luther King for civil rights in the United States of America and in France alongside the Lica, as a spokesperson and ambassador, Knight of the Legion of Honour for military service, Croix de guerre 1939-1945, Medal of the Resistance, Commemorative Medal for voluntary service in Free France. Despite this tormented life, she never lost sight of her utopia: her Perigordian paradise, the château des Milandes, where she wanted to create a sort of Eden to raise her rainbow tribe. What an incredible trajectory for this strong and talented woman who overcame everything, misery, beatings, racism, money problems, sexism! She left us in April 1975 and rests in Monaco. Today, a petition is circulating, demanding the entry of this great lady into the Pantheon.
French variety music with a Périgord accent
We can't say it enough, the Périgord is a breeding ground for talent of all kinds! Pascal Obispo needs no introduction. But did you know that he was born in Bergerac? He has been successful since the 90s. Alongside his singing career, he has created many partnerships with other artists, such as Florent Pagny, Johnny Halliday, Garou, Zazie, Marc Lavoine, Patricia Kaas... We even owe him the musical Les 10 Commandements. Committed, he has often put his popularity to the benefit of humanitarian causes, the Restos du Cœur and the fight against Aids. More recently, the singers Kendji and Tibz, each in their own category, have been successful. What they have in common is that they were born in the Dordogne and that they claim their origins loud and clear. Too proud of them!
