Love the French Way 6 - Nathalie

From: Charles Spira
Series: Love the French Way
Length: 05:43

A young Frenchman visits the Red Square in Moscow. His guide is a pretty Russian girl. Romance blossoms, notwithstanding Cold War politics. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Love the French Way 6 - Nathalie
From: Charles Spira

Red_square_small Gilbert Bécaud was a childhood prodigy. He entered the Conservatory in Nice, France, at age 9. He later became one of France's beloved singers/songwriters. One of his great successes was Nathalie, the story of a blossoming romance between a young female Russian guide and a Frenchman. Gilbert's nickname was Mr. 100,000 Volt because of his boundless energy on stage.

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Piece Description

Gilbert Bécaud was a childhood prodigy. He entered the Conservatory in Nice, France, at age 9. He later became one of France's beloved singers/songwriters. One of his great successes was Nathalie, the story of a blossoming romance between a young female Russian guide and a Frenchman. Gilbert's nickname was Mr. 100,000 Volt because of his boundless energy on stage.

Transcript

Love the French Way 4 - Nathalie

……… Theme music intro

? Text segment1: Welcome to “Love, the French Way” where we introduce a beautiful love song in each episode. My name is Charles Spira. Today we’ll hear the celebrated French singer/songwriter Gilbert Bécaud who received the nickname “Monsieur 100,000 Volt because of his boundless energy. He interprets his song Nathalie, a variation on the theme “Love Conquers All”. In the depth of the Cold War a young Frenchman visits the Red Square in Moscow. His guide is a beautiful young woman. “The Red Square was empty. In front of me marched Nathalie. She had a pretty name, my guide. She spoke in somber phrases about the October Revolution. I was thinking how after Lenin’s tomb I’d invite her to the Cafe Pushkin for a hot chocolate. The Red Square was empty. I took her arm, she smiled. She had blond hair my guide, Nat...
Read the full transcript