Bal+Musette

Bal Musette

When talking about the popular styles of French dance and music, Bal Musette will probably be brought up. Bal Musette started to become well known in Paris. This was in the 19th century or around the late 1800s. Around this time was when this style of music used one of the most popular instruments of its time called the musette, or, cabrette.

This small, goatskin bagpipe was brought to Paris by the Auvergnat immigrants. They found work at dance halls also called, bal musettes. Here featured, Auvergnat Bourrees, plus polkas, mazurkas, and, of course, waltzes. Completely replacing the bagpipe in the 1900s was the accordion brought by Italian workers, also later new dances were added, including, the foxtrots, paso dobles, and javas. Eventually around the 1930s was when jazz was brought up with Bal musette, which were not thought to be a proper combination until the 1940s when it became very common. Another addition was Manouche, or gypsy. IT wasn't until the 1960s that newer dance music cut off the musette accordion style.

By the 1980s, Negresses Vertes, the Garcon Bouchers, the Tetes Raides, and Paris Combo were some popular bands that brought back the musette. Walking around in Paris, especially by cafes and bars, you will hear this style of music being played. It is very distinct with its minor keys that speak with unexpressed sadness. The musette is a symbol of the French art for living abroad where now this style of music is popular in many big cities, especially Paris!