French Art Song: History of a New Music, 1870-1914.

The article discusses Emily Kilpatrick's book, "French Art Song: History of a New Music, 1870-1914," which challenges the perception that French art song is a marginal form of music. Kilpatrick explores the period from the Franco-Prussian War to World War I, examining the relationships between composers and interpreters, the role of salons and conservatories in song dissemination, and the question of transposition. The book also highlights the contributions of specific poets, singers, and the public to the development of French art song during this time. The given text discusses Barbara Kelly Kilpatrick's book, "French Art Song: The Mélodie in the Belle Époque," which explores the development and significance of French art songs during the Belle Époque period. It examines the works of composers such as Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, and poets like Paul Verlaine. The book also discusses the role of the Paris Conservatory in promoting French song and the contributions of women singers. While not covering all important figures in the genre, the book is a valuable resource for scholars, performers, and admirers of French art song. [Extracted from the article]