“Nous sommes en Provence et on est fier d’y être!” the Mayor of Saint-Pierre-de Mézoargues declared with pride in front of the audience that had packed into the tiny village church. His arms were thrown open wide and his comment was met with hearty applause. “Yes,” I thought in agreement, “we most certainly are in Provence…and I am proud to be here.”
It is something that I am still understanding, even after these many months of having moved out of the wonderful town of Arles. Finally, I live in Provence. That recognition comes in waves of feeling or bright little sparks, such as in finding myself at a free local concert filled with bonhomie.
I couldn’t have guessed that so many people would turn out on a Sunday afternoon to hear four local youths play…the accordion…
…and yet every seat was taken. Our friends, the elegant Ms. L and Mr. W were surrounded when I arrived. Late-comers genuflected briefly before shuffling towards what space they could find. I took a seat – carved out of wood with a cane bottom and most certainly made in the area – at the very back of the chapel and listened to three elderly women as their voices overlapped with the gossip that each doled out with marked emphasis, as well as to the singsong hubbub of the crowd.
A giant crèche had been installed in one of the naves, clearly done with love and skill…
…and yet the well-worn hymnals would lie untouched in their alcoves. For the program, selected by the two young men and ladies forming the group, each seeming to be not more than eighteen, was not at all of a Christmasy nature.
Instead, they proposed a voyage around the world through famous songs and pieces, from Bach to Piazzolla, all played on the punch and roll of the accordion. I could practically hear the audience smiling with delight as the concert advanced and watched as a pair of pint-sized sparkly boots, dangling down from the mezzanine overhead, thumped in time.
The players were composed and deft. They knew, instinctively or not, what so many had truly gathered to hear and when one of the young women rose to sing Edith Piaf’s “Hymn à l’Amour,” we collectively held our breath as she reached out longingly towards monumental aspirations of love that she couldn’t possibly fully understand at the tender age of fifteen.
At the end of the final tango, the audience rose to their feet, applauding in time and then erupting in chants of “Edith Piaf! Edith Piaf!” until the quartet appeased their wishes with yet another song originated by La Môme. Arms were draped around shoulders of loved ones and soon the audience began to sway, then sing along, softly, reverently for a France that was and still is. Their voices echoed against the stones after the last note. My heart was brimming. “Je suis en Provence et je suis fiere d’y être.”
For this final post of the year, I leave you with a song, the very one which the lovely young woman to be sang with such simplicity during that Sunday concert in the countryside of Provence:
With all my Very Best to you as we bow out of 2014 with a regard of attentive hope towards the New Year,
Heather
PS. Remi kindly pointed out that I hadn’t included a photo with the musicians. That has been taken care of and hence the update…
I couldn't listen to that song – certainly with this beautiful video – without tearing up. Much Love and Happiness to you R.
How on earth have I never read this blog? I can't wait to read back and see more peeks into Provence. I wouldn't mind going to an accordion concert!
And btw, I will definitely come to your house and make lasagna. I've been paid in PYT before and will happily accept it as payment again! Happy New Year!
I can imagine the music pouring from the old stone building and drifting on the Provencal air. Your words evoke the loveliness of the evening. I can't listen to the music just now, but I'll be back when I can.
Bonne Année, Heather. Happy New Year.
It's all so quaint and beautiful. How very fortunate you are to live in Provence.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Oh Heather, I am late now for your last post!
The accordion in a church? Well, you have to be in Provence! Definitely in the south of Europe where different traditions meet and melt into one another. Its funny, but if I think of that tiny church turned into a concert hall for that evening, the problems we have nowadays in this world with religion, tradition and freedom seem so distant.
And isn't it great to know that people of that young age perfomed and people of all ages (and SOME nationalities) where in the audience? In such a small village in Provence! Thats something to be proud of!
Now, I don't want to close with such heavy words, I wish you a gorgeous evening and all the best start for the New Year. We just finished a nice meal at home enjoying a quiet evening.
And I am very much looking forward to hopefully meet you again either in April or in September 2015! I will email you about the when and how later…
Heather, all my best wishes for 2015 to You, Remi, Ben and Kipling. Much Health and Happiness and Inspiration!
Gros Bisous, Silke
Such a beautiful post to end the year…wishing you a very Happy New Year, Heather…looking forward to reading more Provence tales 😉
With my love xx
Always had a love for the voice of Piaf! It practically bursts you, I think. I love the curves of the church and that wooden roof- and the sparkly boots- wishing you similar gorgeousness all the New Year Heather 🙂 xx
Aarrgghhhh! "We made it from England to France" I meant to write. And I've only had a fruit juice.
Happy New Year, Heather!
We made it from France to England to put our toe in the water with a view to staying permanently… I have followed your blog for years and was interested and excited about the search for a home of your own. We're renting in Narbonne – so lovely. But, my husband has been diagnosed with a problem that requires him to have a series of small operations – back to the UK! John Lennon's "Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans" never felt so apt!
What a beautiful end of the year post, Heather! Seems a lovely way to say goodbye to one and to welcome another. Here is wishing you much health, happiness and wonderment as you continue to show us Provence in the coming year. I look forward to the treasures you unearth for us all!