At Aubagne, the Cannes National Orchestra performed music from Marcel Pagnol’s films for the first time

2024-08-04 10:25:58

This unique concert was made possible thanks to an enthusiastic musician who wrote these melodies into a score. It was organized as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the writer’s death.

France Télévisions – Editorial Culture

Published on 04/08/2024 12:25

Reading time: 2 minutes

“Sur un air de Pagnol” concert by the Cannes national choir in Aubagne (Bouches-du-Rhône), Friday August 2, 2024. (FRANCE 3 COTE D’AZUR)

A few minutes before the concert, sitting on the Charles de Gaulle esplanade in Aubagne, the spectators sang the songs that made their childhood. Those of the film numbers of Marcel Pagnol, who died 50 years ago, on April 18, 1974.

On the occasion of this fiftieth anniversary of the death of scholar, actor, writer and filmmaker, his hometown of Provence paid him a warm tribute on Friday August 2. The National Orchestra of Cannes performed for the first time in public the melodies of Pagnol’s emblematic films.

Pagnol film concert
in Aubagne
(France 3 Provence-Alpes: R. Fiorucci / C. Cottaz / B. Carapic)

Under the eyes of the spectators, the musicians of the Cannes National Orchestra performed by Benjamin Levy, play the soundtrack of Pagnol’s great film, documentary photographs taken and sets. My mother’s mansion, Marius, César, Angèle, The Baker’s Wife, have a few notes, all the monuments of the 7th art come back to life. An immersive and unique musical that touches the hearts of fans of the great filmmaker. “It’s very bold, we understand how important the bridges between art and music are for Pagnol,” observed a Spectator. “I am passionate about Pagnol, it brings back many memories, we are moved when we hear the music from his films”, confides a Spectator.

Recorded in 1932 for the purposes of the film Fanny, a song signed by Marseille producer Vincent Scotto has not been played since its recording in the studio. Same thing for the soundtrack Caesar, Marius or Angela, and many others. And for good reason, these scores have disappeared, so they all have to be written. At that time, since the numbers were not intended to be interpreted, they were not preserved. So it is archaeo-musicology mission carried out by experts. “The work is done by ear. As these scores do not exist before we have a few songs, a few piano reductions, this is the case with the music ofAngela for which we have a piano version which can help the singer to reproduce” Julien Ferrando the scientist explained.

In addition to these classics, the music program is enhanced by modern creations by famous composers such as Jean-Claude Petit for Manon des SourcesVladimir Cosma for My father’s glory etc My mother’s castle and Philippe Rombi for Secret Time.

Played outdoors, these melodies from Marcel Pagnol’s films recreate the entire world of a cinematic monument. A cinema where music already has a central role in the dramaturgy and the storyline.

Comic strips, biopic entertainment or musical comedy works, future museum: celebrations for the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Marcel Pagnol throughout France until the end of 2024.