Django Reinhardt: Swing from Paris

from October 6, 2012 to January 23, 2013 Off-site

Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) whom Jean Cocteau called the « fils de l’air » (the « Child of melody ») is no doubt the most famous jazzman who ever lived in France. An extraordinary improviser, he composed unforgettable melodies and invented a musical genre, Gipsy jazz. He is also one of the first guitar soloists. The exhibition traces the artist’s outstanding carrer placing it into historical and cultural context: from the slums and local dances photographed by Atget and Brassaï to the artistic and Bohemian atmosphere of Montparnasse, from Pigalle’s smart cosmopolitan nightclubs to the Champs-Elysees’ famous cinemas and Saint-Germain-des-pres’ cave nightclubs. Certain pieces on display are on loan from the Charles Delaunay collection (BnF’s Audiovisual department).