At crossroads, under arches or beside a fountain, the organ barrel players, with their well-known songs, communicate to the passers-by a desire to sing, dance and celebrate love. In this way, lovers for a day or of all time can hum in chorus eternal love songs. Again this year, the organ barrel players show their attachment to our town of Love by flocking into the city to demonstrate their passion and pride: the organ barrel.

Street Music:

Historically, the organ barrel was first played in the streets, and it still is today. Its machinery, mostly made of wood, resists all inclemency encountered while travelling. In the 19th century in London, Paris or elsewhere, they played fashionable songs: ballads, operas, dances and ballets. With time the instruments became more and more ornamental with marquetry and other decorations to attract customers.

A Festival… February 12th and 13th 2005:

On this Saturday and Sunday of Lovers, our troubadours will unite to play love songs in the 7th Organ Barrel festival.