Aznavour, or the Popular Nostalgic Drama
2014; Éditions Mélanie Seteun; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2117-4148
Autores Tópico(s)Social and Cultural Studies
ResumoCharles Aznavour, the best-known living French singer to date, located in-between variete and chanson, has cultivated a sentimental style infused with nostalgia. This article endeavours to analyse the presence of nostalgic feelings in his work as a thematic and aesthetic motif which has played an essential role in building up his popularity. For that purpose, I will analyse his great nostalgic successes, showing how nostalgia becomes one of the essential features in his style, one which will be defined as essentially dramatic. Indeed, throughout mimetic realism deprived of social commitment, Aznavour finds in nostalgia a popular motif, one which his public can easily identify with. Finally, I will explore how nostalgic chanson has become a memorial sign both aesthetically and culturally.
Referência(s)