The musical poetry of the Troubadours
Perigordian memory is particularly fond of 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. We often forget that in the 12th century, there were also trobairitz (the Occitan name for female 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, lordly, civil and 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 employing a Romance language. The troubadouresque tradition spanned two centuries from the first songs of Guillaume IX of Aquitaine (1071-1126). The decline of this movement began in the early 13th century, at the time of the Albigensian Crusade (1209). More and more troubadours fled to the courts of northern Italy and Catalonia, where they were warmly welcomed. These regions became heirs to the knowledge and skills of the Perigordian troubadours, enabling Occitan music and language to spread far beyond the borders of the kingdom of France.
Occitan folklore revisited
The Périgord region is home to a large number of folklore groups who perpetuate the region's musical traditions. They are made up of singers, dancers, storytellers and musicians. They bring local traditions to life at festivities such as félibrées and Occitan festivals, where they perform in traditional costumes. Dances range from bourrée and scottish to mazurka and polka. The instruments used are all part of an ancient tradition. The hurdy-gurdy is a kind of violin whose strings are set in vibration by the friction of a rosin-coated wheel activated by a crank. These are ancient and original instruments, often precious for their rarity and inlaid work. The cabrette is a wind instrument of the bagpipe family. It is powered by a bellows, not by the player's mouth. It takes its name from the goatskin it's made of. Finally, the diatonic accordion. This is the ancestor of the chromatic accordion. It is powerful and holds the chord well. In orchestras, it is often associated with the cabrette, the hurdy-gurdy and sometimes with fifes.
Today, renewed interest in Occitan culture and language has led to a rediscovery of traditional Périgord repertoires and a general revival of Occitan musical productions. The Peiraguda group, 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 was always artistically opposed to "occitanists" and folklorists. His music is eclectic: rock, blues, jazz-rock, tango, folk. He has given every musical color to his songs, whether in French or Occitan.
As you visit the beautiful villages of Périgord, you may be lucky enough to stretch your legs at a "bal trad", to the sound of new Occitan music. Don't hesitate to join in!
Josephine Baker, the most Perigordian of Missouri stars
We can't end this musical section without mentioning this incredible woman. In the light of today's problems, she had an extraordinary career: she was born into poverty, in a segregated environment, to a mixed Indian and black mother, while her father was of Spanish origin. Yet she managed to live out her passion and become a true diva, winning the adoration of her fans. But her career did not run smoothly, as her contemporaries did not hesitate to "animalize" her as a black dancer. From her very first performances, Paris was at her feet. Josephine Baker, with her banana loincloth and exotic dance rhythms, quickly became a Parisian icon. Dancing would not suffice for her immense talent, and when she embarked on a singing career, success would also follow. During the Second World War, Joséphine Baker joined the Resistance with all her might. In 1939, Joséphine Baker became a counter-espionage agent in Paris for the Resistance, joined the French Red Cross and enlisted in the air force. She was active alongside Martin Luther King for civil rights in the USA, and in France with the Lica, as spokeswoman and ambassador. She was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur à titre militaire, the Croix de guerre 1939-1945, the Médaille de la Résistance and the Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre. Despite this tormented life, she never lost sight of her utopia: her Périgord paradise, the Château des Milandes, where she wanted to create a kind of Eden to raise her rainbow tribe. What an incredible trajectory for this strong, talented woman who overcame everything: poverty, beatings, racism, money problems, sexism! She passed away in April 1975 and rests in Monaco. Today, a petition is circulating, calling for this great lady to be admitted to the Pantheon.
French variety music with a Périgord accent
We can't say it often enough: the Périgord region 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 enjoyed success as early as the 90s. Alongside his singing career, he has created many partnerships with other artists, including Florent Pagny, Johnny Halliday, Garou, Zazie, Marc Lavoine, Patricia Kaas... He was even responsible for the musical Les 10 Commandements. A committed performer, he has often put his popularity to good use for humanitarian causes such as Restos du Cœur and the fight against AIDS. More recently, the singers Kendji and Tibz have each achieved success in their own category. What they all have in common is that they were born in the Dordogne, and are proud of their origins. Périgord is proud of them!
