June, 2012 – Graham Miln

Fête de la Musique

Last Thursday marked the Fête de la Musique, World Music Day in English. Megan took the opportunity to make me take a break from work and explore the streets.

We had expected a large dance scene at the Parc de la Tête d’Or, so were somewhat disappointed to find only a small group and a single tent. The music was fun and we watched for a while.

Dance music tent outside the Parc de la Tête d’Or - Fête de la Musique
Dance music tent outside the Parc de la Tête d’Or - Fête de la Musique

With our expectations lowered we walked along the bank of the river Rhône. After passing a couple of bridges we discovered live band, after live band, all performing to the passing public.

Band on the river side - Fête de la Musique
Band on the river side - Fête de la Musique

Choir on the river side - Fête de la Musique
Choir on the river side - Fête de la Musique

People sitting on the embankment - Fête de la Musique
People sitting on the embankment - Fête de la Musique

It struck me how impressively the sound from each performance was being isolated from those around them. The solid river walls and bridges acted as small stages and allowed us to listen to a choir one moment and dance music the next.

I took some footage and have put together a short film of Fête de la Musique in Lyon for 2012. The film is appended below and available in High Definition on YouTube.

Sorry for the lack lustre quality of the sound on the film. My camera is limited by a tiny mono-microphone. Do your best to imagine the thumping bass and vocal tones of the singers giving it their all.

Night scene in Lyon - Fête de la Musique
Night scene in Lyon - Fête de la Musique

DJ on the roof of a riverside cafe - Fête de la Musique