Search - Barbara :: Talents of the Century 1

A french chanteuse for the times

danielinyaracuy | San Felipe, Yaracuy Venezuela | 02/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The French Barbara has nothing in common with the Barbra from this side of the Atlantic. Both women certainly have an image of passionate singers, but their styles could not be anymore different. Barbara started as one of the three B of the French song (with Brel and Brassens). But if one can see the influence of the two guys you can also hear how she created her very unique style. Barbara writes most of her songs, sings them and accompanies herself at the piano, with very few musicians at most. The effect is of an instant intimacy, which can become unbearable in her darkest songs. No easy way out for her: she bares it all and takes the knocks. And yet her musical language includes little waltzy tunes, classical approaches, ballads, with which she reaches for the bottom of human despair as in "Le mal de vivre" or "Nantes". This CD recompilation includes perhaps most of her famous songs, and certainly perhaps the more "commercial" tunes. Thus, I cannot think of a better way to try to get acquainted with her. If your French is passable you can find the words in many an Internet site and start your exploration of this most fascinating, emotional, intellectual, intelligent singer. Thus you will be able to appreciate the extraordinary scope of this grand lady of the French song who dealt with any topic. Here for example you will find a song which single-handedly did more for the Franco-German reconciliation than any politician ever did (Gottingen), accompanied by an anti-militaristic tune (A mourir pour mourir). You will also find a love song to her adoring audience, a song which is perhaps one of the most beautiful love song written in any language (Ma plus belle histoire d'amour). That song was her signature and legend has it that she sang it at the close of any public appearance."