French music has for a very long time enjoyed international attention. English has always been the most popularly used language as far as music is concerned. Next to English is the usage of French language in the world of music.
It is therefore that French music has a very wide, popular and an internal market. For long France has been considered an important place for European music and art. A wide variety of indigenous folk music, and also styles played by immigrants from Asia Latin America and Africa can be found in the country. France has produced a number of genius composers in the field of classical music.
The rise of popular French techno, hip hop and pop performers such as Jean Michel Jarre, David Guetta, Bob Sinclar, Martin Solveig and Daft Punk have been witnessed by modern pop music.
French music history dates back to the 10th century to the time of the organum. This was followed by the Notre Dame School which was an organum composition style. Between the 10th and 13th centuries Troubadour songs of courtly love and chivalry were composed in the Occitan language.
In Northern France during this period the Trouvère poet-composers flourished a form of song called the motet arose by the end of the 12th century. This was accompanied by traveling musicians who were called jongleurs.
France produced two notable styles of music, in the 14th century, Ars Subtilior and Ars Nova. Burgundy became a major center for musical development During the Renaissance. The rise of the Burgundian School and chansons was followed by this.