“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…
Thank you, dearest Heather. New dog on the way, soon. Will keep you posted. Xx
There are not a lot of concerts in Sablet but when there are, the church is always packed. I love accordion music and I love the music of Edith Piaf, so I am sure I would have been in musical heaven. Thanks for sharing the video. I wish you and Remi a very happy New Year with good health, good times and prosperity. I hope our paths cross this year.
You know, I had to admit that I was a liiiittle bit snobby about the idea at first – especially when I found out that it was young musicians that would be playing – but I the fools on me because it was just insanely charming. 🙂
And oh my, I better start stocking up on PYTs just in case – hooray!
Happy New Year to you too, Stephen.
I hope that you were able to listen to the music as it is just such a beautiful song. I have been singing it all week!
Bonne Année à toi aussi, Lorrie. Bisous!
California is not so shabby either! 😉 Happy New Year to you too Jennifer.
Silke, if you had been there, you would have loved it! And yes, everyone all mixed together in that tiny church/concert hall. Just wonderful. I am sending you so much Health ( sur tout!) and Joy to you and R for 2015 with the big hope that we will spend time together again…
xo
Wishing you a 2015 as soft as cashmere Ms. Robinson!
The voice, not the sparkly boots, makes me cry like a baby.
Again, wishing you all sorts of wonderful for 2015, Lisa.
Oh Anna, I am so sorry to read of your Husband's health worries. I hope so much that all goes well and that you both are back pursuing your dream when you can. I am sure that will happen! And thank you so very much for reading here for so long. That touches me very much. Health and Happiness to you both in 2015.