Search

This article discusses the musician Alexandre Tharaud and his attempts to follow Jean Wiéner in bringing to life the music scene from Paris, France during the 1920's. The culture of classical music, as well as jazz and other musical genres of the time is examined, including cabaret music and concert halls. Other themes discussed in the article include the decadent pleasure-oriented culture of the time period, the musical tastes and artistic ideals represented, and the musical collaboration going on between musicians from all over the world.

The article focuses on the evolution of culture in France since the 1940s. Topics mentioned include the government influence on vulgarizing the arts, the facts that popular culture started preceding the arts in the 1960s, and the differences between art and culture. The author adds that classical music is not meant to be popular.

On the occasion of the six hundredth issue of Diapason, the editor Emmanuel Dupuy discusses how the world of music has changed since the first issue fifty years ago. When contemporary artists were still Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten or Edith Piaf, everybody shared the same cultural values, but with the arrival of the digital media, people developed their own personal tastes and classical is no more a synonym for popular. Classical music is part of the heritage but now needs some new talents.

The article focuses on the new methods of learning music brought by the musician and vice-president of the Higher Council for Artistic and Cultural Education, Didier Lockwood. According to the jazz violinist, conservatories could be more popular and more accessible. For that purpose, the name "conservatory" should be abandoned in favor of "school of arts" or "school of music" and both classical music and popular music should be taught.

The author, Emmanuel Dupuy, discusses the changes of the magazine Diapason. Initially focusing on all genres of music records, the magazine is now specialized in classical music and High-Fidelity equipment. Journalists listened to the critics made by the readers and now want to share their passion and love for music in a less analytic way.

The article presents an interview with pianist Vanessa Wagner. Wagner discuses her work as a music programmer for the Chambord Festival and her decision to choose popular artists to perform, such as flamenco artist Pedro Soler. The pianist wants to bring together popular music and art music, and will be on stage only one night during the festival, in a duet with cellist Pavel Gomziakov.

The article presents a letter written by journalist Ivan A. Alexandre to the Minister of Culture in France, Frédéric Mitterrand. In his letter, Alexandre writes about Mitterrand's broken promise to develop a culture accessible to the public. The journalist also accuses the Minister of favoring popular art over more traditional art, such as classical music, and he urges some changes to be made.

The article focuses on singer Lady Gaga, as a symbol of the mainstream culture. According to the author, Lady Gaga's music is universal even if in Europe her concerts are not sold out. The singer is called a genius, however the author deplores that classical music suffers from the mainstream aspect of pop artists.