Where to Find French Folk Songs for the Violin

Looking for some French folk songs to play on the violin? Check out our top picks for where to find them!

Introduction

French folk songs are a great way to add a bit of variety to your violin repertoire. They can be challenging to play, but they’re also a lot of fun. And, they’re a great way to show off your skills to your friends and family.

If you’re looking for some French folk songs for the violin, there are a few places you can look. Here are a few ideas:

-The internet is a great resource for finding sheet music for all kinds of songs, including French folk songs. There are many websites that offer free sheet music, and you can often find versions of the same song with different arrangements. This is a great way to find songs that are at your level, or to find new challenges.

-Your local music store may have some French folk songs in their collection. If not, they may be able to order them for you.

-There are also many online stores that sell sheet music, including French folk songs. These can be a great option if you’re looking for something specific or if you want to have a larger selection to choose from.

Traditional French Folk Songs

French folk songs are a great way to learn about the culture and history of France. They are also a lot of fun to play on the violin. There are many different places you can find these songs. You can find them online, in books, and even in some music stores.

“Alouette”

“Alouette” is a traditional French folk song that dates back to the 18th century. The tune is thought to have originated in the French province of Brittany, and it has been adapted and rearranged over the years by numerous composers and performers.

The song’s title comes from the opening line of the lyrics, “Alouette, gentille alouette / Lève-toi, soleil!” (Lark, gentle lark / Rise up, sun!). The rest of the lyrics tell the story of a young girl who plucks the feathers from a lark in order to make a featherbed for her baby brother. When her mother finds out, she scolds the girl and tells her to put the feathers back on the bird.

“Alouette” is one of the most popular French folk songs, and it has been recorded by many different artists over the years. If you’re looking for a version of this tune to play on your violin, you can find several different versions online or in music stores.

“Au Clair de la Lune”

“Au Clair de la Lune” is a well-known French folk song that has been popular since the 18th century. The lyrics tell the story of a young boy who is trying to learn how to play the violin. He asks his friend, the Moon, for help.

This song is often taught to beginners in France as it is a simple and fun way to learn how to play the violin. It is also a great way to practice your French language skills! If you are interested in learning how to play “Au Clair de la Lune” on the violin, there are many resources available online and in music stores.

“Frere Jacques”

Frere Jacques is a popular French folk song that dates back to the 18th century. The song is about a brother who neglects his duties, and as a result, his wife and children leave him. The song is often played on the violin, and it is a popular choice for beginning violinists.

“La Marseillaise”

“La Marseillaise” is a French folk song that was written and composed in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle. The song was first sung in Paris during the French Revolution as a patriotic anthem and has since become the national anthem of France. The song is also known by its English title, “The Britons.”

“La Marseillaise” is typically played on the violin, but can be adapted for other instruments as well. The song consists of three main sections: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Each section has its own unique melody that is repeated throughout the song.

The introduction to “La Marseillaise” sets the mood of the song with its simple, lighthearted melody. The body of the song is more complex, with a series of ascending and descending melodies that create a sense of urgency and drama. The conclusion of the song returns to the simplicity of the introduction, providing a sense of resolution and closure.

Contemporary French Folk Songs

The violin is a beautiful instrument that can be used to play all types of music. If you are a fan of French folk music, you may be wondering where to find contemporary French folk songs for the violin. There are a few different places that you can look for these types of songs. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

“Les Champs-Elysees”

This French folk song is a classic, and has been covered by many artists over the years. The original version was released in 1968 by Joe Dassin, and has since become one of the most well-known French songs in the world. “Les Champs-Elysees” is a great choice for a violin cover, as it is a relatively simple melody that sounds great on the violin.

“Le Temps des Cerises”

“Le Temps des Cerises” (The Time of the Cherries) is a contemporary French folk song by Jean-Claude Pascal. The song was written in 1966 and is about the Paris Commune of 1871. The lyrics are written in the first person from the perspective of a man who is in love with a woman who has died during the conflict.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Simon and Garfunkel, Joan Baez, and Nina Simone. It has been used in films such as La Haine and Les Choristes.

“La Vie en Rose”

“La Vie en rose” (literally ” life in pink”) is a song written in 1945 by Édith Piaf and Marguerite Monnot. The song was first performed by Piaf in 1946. The song has been covered by many artists including Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson and Nina Simone.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of where to find French folk songs for the violin! As you can see, there are a variety of resources available online and in print. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we’re sure you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start practicing!