The Fete de la Musique

[marlunn]

The Fête de la Musique

We were in France last week for a break in a small village called Alaigne in the Aude region, west of Carcassonne. It was a National music festival day while we were there - The Fête de la Musique, also known as Music Day, Make Music Day or World Music Day, is an annual music celebration taking place on 21 June.

The concept of an all-day musical celebration on the days of the solstice, was originated by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang. The festival later became celebrated in 120 countries around the world

so we attended and had a great time - the language barrier was soon demolished with a few bottles of the local Malpere red

A few of the 'musicians, all are encouraged to play if they can - the images were taken in the late evening, no flash as I wanted the 'ambiance' and so a 24-50mm Sigma lens on a Nikon D7100 at f2.8, most at 1/15th @iso 6400 not ideal but best compromise to get the shot and the feel of the night.

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


#6

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[marlunn]

Thanks John, it was a lot of fun and good music.

[mugge]

Mark, beautifully done.
Cheers Ole

[bnnrcn]

Hi Mark, very nice series, I can feel the excitement

[marlunn]

Thanks Ole, much appreciated

Thank you Binnur, much appreciated.

It was a bit daunting initially as only a couple of them spoke broken english and I dont speak any french - yet, but that is being worked on

[george013]

Thanks Ole, much appreciated

Thank you Binnur, much appreciated.

It was a bit daunting initially as only a couple of them spoke broken english and I dont speak any french - yet, but that is being worked on

Let me guess your first words: "Je t'aime"?

I like the pictures.

George

[bje07]

Nice captures, as French it's becomes routine, so I didn't go to the different stages. In the first years of this celebration it was nicer with small groups, now it has became big stages and delire of sound .

[marlunn]

Thanks George, yep of course

Thank you Jean, I know what you mean about these things, this is in Alaigne, population 330 ish it is a very small community that is nice to be in and was a very small event and all the better for it

[IzzieK]

It would have been nice to be there...I like many genre of music but especially piano. I like #1 here -- even the subtle noise is a pllus. I like the connection the two has...and the backlighting. The expression in the eyes of the young man in #2 seems to be challenging. They could have been playing duel guitars. #4 is a cool shot...I like oldish style mono translation with the vignette. #5 looks like fun...On the last one, I can almost hear the music playing...Wonderful atmosphere you had there.

[marlunn]

Thank you Izzie, much appreciated. The guy on the left in #2 is the 'musician' the young man is very keen to learn and very intense in his concentration