A renowned French cabaret singer and actress, celebrated for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, particularly in the Parisian music halls of the late 19th century.
Yvette Guilbert, born Emma Laure Esther Guilbert, was a French cabaret singer and actress who revolutionized the Belle Époque era with her audacious lyrics, captivating stage presence, and innovative style. She is best known for her provocative performances at the Moulin Rouge, where she headlined in 1890, and for being an iconic diseuse (sayer) of the time, favoring monologuelike patter songs that stunned and delighted audiences.
Guilbert was born on January 20, 1865, in Paris, to a poor family. She began her career as a model at the Printemps department store in Paris at the age of 16. A journalist discovered her talent, and she soon took acting and diction lessons. By 1886, she was performing on stage at several smaller venues, eventually making her debut at the Variet Theatre in 1888.
Guilbert's breakthrough came when she sang at the Eldorado club, followed by performances at the Jardin de Paris and finally, the Moulin Rouge in 1890. Her performance at the Moulin Rouge was described by English painter William Rothenstein as a novel association of innocence with provocative lyrics, which left the audience bewitched and applauding.
Guilbert's stage presence was characterized by her bright yellow dress, long gloves, and her striking, almost statuesque stillness, with only subtle gestures of her long arms. Her lyrics, often her own, were raunchy and provocative, tackling subjects like tragedy, lost love, and poverty. She pioneered the concept of diseuse, favoring monologuelike patter songs that mesmerized her audiences.
Guilbert regularly performed alongside Kam-Hill, another cabaret star of the time, often singing songs by Tarride. Her legacy extends beyond the cabaret scene, influencing future generations of performers and cementing her place as an icon of the Belle Époque era.
Yvette Guilbert's innovative style, provocative performances, and iconic status as a diseuse have left an indelible mark on the world of cabaret and beyond. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, making her a true legend of the Belle Époque era.
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French cabaret singer and actor known for his provocative performances and iconic songs about Parisian life, influencing the development of French chanson.
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