Thursday 25 March 2010

Alphabe_Thursday J is for Jacques Brel



I don't speak French very well. I can just about make myself understood I think. I can read it a little better and am quite surprised how things come back to me when I try. I did do "A" level at School.
My parents were quite "bohemian" in a way and it was through one of their friends that I first discovered Jacques Brel . I don't remember much about that, it seems that I have loved his voice and music all my life. Those of you who know me will be shocked to discover that he features in my subconscious even before Bryan Ferry hit the scene!
His voice is just so.....The words of his songs, well, it sort of doesn't matter if you don't understand them, although over the years I have gradually understood more and a few years ago got hold of a copy of his complete works in book form so now when I feel I want to I can follow a song and get out my great big French - English Dictionary and try to sort them out.
He died relatively young at 49, which is the same age my dad died, in 1978 And he wasn't French - he was Belgian
The link at the end of this post is to what is probably my favourite. Basically it says that although there are so many things in the world that cause us pain, the worst is to see a friend cry. There a few pics there too.
Scott Walker made a bit of a name for himself singing translations but his interpretation was very different, far more angry, than the originals. If you are interested then have a hunt round YouTube for some more. Some are slow and sad, some are angry and some are very funny. Try Madeleine and then Mathilde. And there is at least one song that many of you will know "Ne me quitte pas" which really means "don't leave me" but which in the translation became "If you go away" The original is better I think. Some of the translations really miss the mark
He also wrote "The Impossible Dream" which doesn't really sound much like anything else he wrote

LINK to Voir Un Ami Pleurer

Read more "js" HERE

19 comments:

  1. I think if the music is good and the vocals are good, it doesn't matter if you understand what is being sung about.

    I'm guessing, "If You Go Away" must be the one that continues..."on a summer's day, then you might as well take my love away..."

    Talented!!

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  2. I love posts about music, and finding new voices. I'll check this out! Thanks. Kathy

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  3. I've never heard of him before. I checked out the link. He has a wonderful voice. I can see why you've listened to him all these years.

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  4. I agree that if the song is strong enough and the singer is good enough, it doesn't matter what the language is. That's why music is so universal!

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  5. We love all kinds of music....if the beat is good and the voice is nice....music is good! Nice post!

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  6. What a voice and what a beautiful face...... Thanks for your post!!!!

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  7. I've never heard of him, but I listened and he has a wonderful voice...even if I couldn't understand the lyrics. What a shame that he and your Dad died so young.

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  8. Thanks for sharing this wonderful voice. I love the French language even though I can't understand most of it. Great post!

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  9. Such a fine post...such a fine artist...love the Brel...sooo sophisticated...Thanks for your visit and comments about my "Jiffy Jeff"...curls were my thing way back when...would be now if I had any say so...or more hair:-) Peace

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  10. BTW...I just noticed your Haiku response...how thick-headed can one be? Pretty crafty my dear:-)

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  11. I love that simple piano intro into a voice filled with such depth and emotion.

    Thank you for this.

    I never heard of him before, although I did know of some of his music already.

    Very interesting J post!

    Thanks for making J week so intriquing!

    A+

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  12. Great J post.
    I love Scott Walker singing "If you go away" and was a huge Walker Brothers fan in the late 60's. Wow, you brought back some memories with this post.
    Thanks.
    ~Maggie~

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  13. What an interesting post. There are so many fascinating, gifted people out there to learn about. I'm sorry he passed away so young. Thank you for introducing me to some one new and sharing some more about you.

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  14. not much into French anything but I like the sound of the language in music but you're right, the English translations are never quite the same

    thanks for your visit

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  15. I have heard of him but never listened ... i will give it a try ... and i like music in any language ... i just really like a good voice!

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  16. great musical post, will have to give him a try :D

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  17. I do not know French but I did go listen. Was a soothing song. Thanks for sharing and thanks for always stopping by!

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  18. Wow, I got so caught up in YouTube, emailing links to people, etc., I almost forgot to came back and comment. Thanks for the introduction to a new (to me) artist!

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  19. very nice to be exposed to different cultures and music. thanks!

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