From sign to sound (4/6): Barbara, a woman happy to sing

Discover the fourth episode in the series Du signe au son ou l’art de l’interprétation. In the spotlight is one of the singers who marked the history of French chanson: Monique Andrée Serf, known as Barbara, who passed away 25 years ago.

“One day, I went to hear Edith Piaf. She was singing on the boulevards, at the Théâtre de l’ABC. I remember being glued to my seat. Her voice made both my eyes and my heart cry.” (Barbara, Il était un piano noir… Interrupted memories )

The power of interpretation has reached Barbara’s mind! And shortly afterwards, it will be Barbara’s turn to arouse the same emotions in her audience.

As a singer-songwriter and complete artist, Barbara will be able to bring her songs to life. Her poetry, imbued with her personal experience, is in harmony with her music and interpretation. Barbara sings, quite simply, but her art moves, captivates and fascinates. Many of her songs have become staples of French chanson: Chapeau bas, Dis, quand reviendras-tu?, Nante, Göttingen, Le Mal de vivre, Ma plus belle histoire d’amour, L’Aigle noir and many more.

In her songs, she creates and expresses her own world of feelings and convictions. She even manages to forgive her father, who crossed the line of the forbidden during her childhood. Or to reconcile herself with the tragic period of Nazi flight and persecution during the war. Through her songs, she also affirms her love and gratitude to her public. She also publicized her fight for AIDS prevention and her support for François Mitterrand’s left-wing party.

Barbara sings, and it’s the only way she’s found to be in the world. Barbara sings of her intimacy, the episodes of her life, overcoming her traumas, expressing her love and declaring her free spirit.

Follow us on the Blog and discover the next article, on December¹, 2022: Stéphane Grappelli.