Just as Vincent Van Gogh found his muse in Provence, many musicians have drawn their inspiration from its captivating landscapes. This playlist will take you through the diverse, picturesque scenery of the southern French region, from its lavender-covered hills to its charming villages basking under the Mediterranean sun.
The journey begins with the lively Farandole, a traditional Provençal dance featured in George Bizet’s L’Arlésienne (The Girl from Arles), setting the tone for the festive spirit and natural joie de vivre of southern France (track 1). While L’Arlésienne may be less familiar than Bizet's famous Carmen, this opera equally celebrates the vibrancy of the southern landscapes. Bizet indeed often painted these sunny sceneries, as seen in the Intermezzo from Carmen (track 5), which depicts the warm atmosphere of a southern Spain evening.
Emmanuel Chabrier follows in track 2 with his Suite Pastorale, effortlessly blending major and minor keys to evoke the contrasting moods and scenery of Provence. While Richard Strauss’ Eine Alpensinfonie (track 9) transports us to the majestic alpine peaks, reminding us that Provence is not just a land of lavender fields but also of rugged mountains in the north. The region’s geographical diversity—from alpine heights to rolling hills filled with vineyards, olive groves, and forests—makes it a perfect source of creative inspiration.
In track 11, Verdi's Di Provenza il mar, il sol from La Traviata continues this theme of Provençal inspiration, as the famous aria lyrically depicts the comfort provided by the sun and sea of the region, evoking a deep emotional connection to its landscape. Paule Maurice’s Tableaux de Provence (tracks 13-17) further captures the spirit of Provence, with the alto saxophone taking centre stage. Maurice dedicated these works to her husband, virtuoso saxophonist Marcel Mule, drawing inspiration from their travels and experiences in this beautiful region.
Born in Marseille and raised in Aix-en-Provence, Darius Milhaud offers us a truly local perspective in the fifth movement of his Suite Française, titled Provence (track 20). This piece captures the authentic feel of the region through classic Provençal themes, making Milhaud a perfect guide to this musical exploration of southern France.
Finally, the playlist concludes with La Coupo Santo by Nicolas Saboly (track 21), sung in the local Provençal dialect. This song tells the story of a silver cup offered by Catalan poets to their Provençal counterparts as a symbol of gratitude, underlining the region's role as a place of cultural exchange and solidarity.
Provence’s enchanting landscapes and rich traditions have inspired countless musicians. Through this playlist, you are invited to experience the magic of the region, where every track reflects the colours and spirit of southern France.
