French Musical: history and specificity of the genre

Abstract

French Musical is “younger” than the Broadway, popular; however, there is yet no serious scientific approach towards its examination. The subject of this research is nationalization of the French Musical in historical and genre contexts. The goal is to disclose role of French Musical as a relatively young genre on the theoretical level. The article employs the interdisciplinary approach, which involves the scientific theories and concepts from other fields; historical-culturological approach, which reveals the factors contributing to assimilation of French culture with the traditions of other cultures; systemic approach aimed at examination of professional performance in French Musical as a result of development of the genre in late XX – early XXI centuries. The scientific novelty consists in introduction of the previously missing biographical materials and new information on the establishment and development of the genre of French Musical and its national specificity. The theoretical significance lies in characterization of the concepts of “French Musical”, “popular culture”, “interpretation of classical music”, “musical performance” in the context of art history knowledge, as well as methodology of science. The practical significance lies in broader understanding of the role of establishment and proliferation of French Musical, comparison of the use of chanson and jazz in the Musicals of France and the United States. The main result consists the statement that French Musical contains the key to understanding the French people, their thought pattern, and tastes. This genre allows them to express and defend their values and uniqueness.