Analysis of Characteristics of French Popular Music in the 1950s and 1960s : Focusing on the Songs Featured in the film 『Les parapluies de Cherbourg』

The 1950s and 1960s were a pivotal era in the evolution of French popular music, characterized by the fusion of traditional chanson with genres such as jazz, pop, and rock, facilitated by the rapid development and dissemination of media following World War II. This study examines the music featured in 『Les Parapluies de Cherbourg』, analyzing the defining characteristics of French popular music during this period and their reflection in film scores. The findings reveal that the film's music incorporates key elements of the era, including genre fusion, harmonic complexity, and innovative accompaniment structures. Specifically, the integration of jazz, classical, and chanson elements, along with the transformation of traditional accompaniment styles, illustrates the dynamic evolution of French popular music. This research aims to lay the groundwork for further studies on the characteristics of French popular music and its artistic significance.