As we talk again about a new institutional evolution for Corsica, let’s return to the way in which the song celebrates the island – for better and for worse.
If you want proof that something has changed in the relations between the French Republic and Corsica, here it is. You have just heard the group Canta u populu corsu, singing Diu vi salvi regina in a recording from 1975. Well at the time, we didn’t play this record on French radios. Or very late, and taking risks. This song had the feel of a national anthem, and was part of the panoply of Corsican independence – and therefore it was not broadcast.
And, without even talking about French overseas territories, it must be noted that the institutional view of Corsica has changed significantly in today’s mainland France. While we have always known that Corsica is not in France…
In the second episode of These songs that make the news broadcast this weekend, you hear excerpts from:
Canta u populu corsu, Diu vi salvi regina, 1975
Tino Rossi, O Corsica, island of love, 1934
Hervé Vilard, Corsican wine, 1986
Mireille Mathieu, Corsica, 1972
Didier Barbelivien, Corsica itself, 2016
Tino Rossi, Tchi-tchi, 1936
Henri Tachan, We are all Corsicans, 1983
Fernandel, Corsican tango, 1961
Barbara Carlotti, Corsican tango, 2020
Barbara Carlotti, O Corsica, island of love, 2020
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And you can also find the podcast on this link Behind our voices, with the writing and composition secrets of eight major artists of the French scene, Laurent Voulzy, Julien Clerc, Bénabar, Dominique A, Carla Bruni, Emily Loizeau, Juliette and Gaëtan Roussel.