Monday, June 4, 2012

Un autre moment à Paris


From time to time, I have what I call a Paris moment *.  A very special experience that reminds me of just how much I love this place.  This afternoon as we were walking through the colonnade of Place des Vosges, I heard a  harp being played and I knew just who it was.  This harpist I photographed two years ago and shared here, was in the very same spot.  As we stopped to listen, he played l'Hymne a l'amour ** and those of you that know me well,  know that I teared up.  Je suis sans espoir bien sûr!

*  In a Paris Moment, by my friend and very talented photographer Meredith Mullins, was my inspiration!


** Today I'm giving you France's beloved and a much younger Johnny Hallyday's version. Your thoughts??



24 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

Lovely shot, V. I agree, a magical moment. Since you asked, I was quite impressed with the Johnny Halliday version of "Hymne à l'Amour" when I first heard it. Nobody - and I mean nobody - does the song like "La Piaf," just to be clear, but he put his heart into it, and pulled it off quite nicely, I think. I also like that he sings it as an "encore" and dedicates the song to his faithful audience. After all, their love story has lasted for over 50 years! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Vreni said...

I love the expression "to have a Paris moment"! I know exactly what you mean!

Joe said...

This photo is a reaL stunner V. I do like the way you captured the musician mid melody lost in the quavers and chords. Black and white was the perfect choice.

Shell Sherree said...

He looks lost in the reverie of his music. You're a softie, dear V ~ and isn't that lovely!!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Virginia, look again. I think that this may be the same person from two years earlier.

Great portrait, and a spot where one can always find a performer.

This is Belgium said...

Virginia, I hope you know that Johnny is Belgian !! or at least half ;)
anni

Virginia said...

Genie, yes it is the same musician I photographed before!, that's why it was so special. :)
V

Anni, I should have known. The whole Johnny Hallyday thing still has me puzzled!

Natalie said...

You've captured a wonderful movement in this shot and
B&W really works here.
Isn't it marvelous to meet people a couple of years later on the same spot in marche, cafe, colonnade, musicians, dancers, to see familiar faces -parisians. It brings you a feeling of belonging, n'est pas?
Me too, love those precious Paris moments.
Saxophone at the Louvre colonnade very late at night, when some one talented playing just for you and a few other strangers, unforgettable Paris moment. The entire Court des Pyramids filled with passionate floating tunes. Thank you Virginia.

Virginia said...

Natalie, you are so right. It does give me a feeling of belonging when I find the same artists or musicians on another visit. And the sax player in the Louvre is remarkable. I remember the first time I heard it. Peter and I had done a late night shoot and we heard him playing. It took a few minutes to locate the source of the music. It was indeed magical!

Virginia said...

Natalie, you are so right. It does give me a feeling of belonging when I find the same artists or musicians on another visit. And the sax player in the Louvre is remarkable. I remember the first time I heard it. Peter and I had done a late night shoot and we heard him playing. It took a few minutes to locate the source of the music. It was indeed magical!

Daryl said...

kismet!

French Girl in Seattle said...

"The whole Johnny Hallyday thing still has you puzzled?!" -- I am not a true Johnny fan, but like many French kids of my generation, I grew up listening to that guy. So here it is: Think of Johnny as the Brits think of the Queen of England. No need to like him. He has been there all that time. He still sings (and occasionally acts;) he endures. Respect. PS: I am not even a Johnny fan... :-)

Anonymous said...

This young man certainly seem lost in his music. I clicked onto l'Hymne a l'amour and I couldn't get it to take me to the site to hear the song?

I have the book In a Paris Moment and love it!

Alexa said...

French Girl said it for me: I will always associate this song with Piaf, but my "old friend" Johnny gave it his all for sure. Interesting choice for your harpist (he is YOUR harpist, n'est-ce pas?) to play as well.

PeterParis said...

There is a good chance that you will find your friend the harpist again. I have seen him a few times since, always on the same spot. ... and he really plays well!!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Belle photo. The pose of his arms and hands is what really makes it (in my humble opinion). I'm feeling pretty smug for just "knowing" it was the Place des Vosges. My favorite piece of real estate in Paris.

Leif Hagen said...

Must have been a magical, musical moment, V de B!
Bravo!

Pamela said...

When my son was little he drove us crazy wanting to learn the harp! Thankfully he is playing the piano and loving it!

James said...

J'aime ce petit moment magique capturé à Paris.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Wonderful portrait of a very fine musician Virginia. I must agree with Veronique though about L'Hymne a l'amour it's Edith Piaf pour moi!

Virginia said...

Peter, that's good to hear and get your hanky out pour moi! :)
V

LA VIE EN ROSE said...

I love those kind of moments! very special!

Sharon
xxxx

Starman said...

We've only checked out Place de Vosges once and I don't remember him being there. Maybe in September since we'll be so close.

TheChieftess said...

One of the most special things about Paris is the street musicians...he must be good if he's still there!!