The Aran Islands have inspired all kinds of artistic endeavours down through the years. We need only read JM Synge’s plays or look at Seán Keating’s paintings depicting island life to appreciate how they have inspired numerous creative ventures. Perhaps surprisingly, opera can also be added to that list.
In the 1960s, a charismatic French singer and composer by the name of Gilbert Bécaud created an opera set entirely on the Aran Islands. He called it L’Opéra d’Aran. At the time, Bécaud, who was known as “Monsieur 100,000 Volts” and “Monsieur Dynamite” on account of his electrifying stage presence, was immensely popular at home and abroad.
He started off performing his own work and then took to writing songs for others such as Edith Piaf and Juliette Gréco. Bécaud eventually penned over 400 songs, including some hits with Charles Aznavour. READ MORE Monsieur Dynamite’s Irish vision – Oliver O’Hanlon on Gilbert Bécaud’s L’Opéra d’Aran Rings of ire – Frank McNally on the limitations of smart watches Footman Footnotes – Frank McNally on the late and very colourful Gillies MacBain Front Woman – Frank McNally on a pioneering war correspondent, Maggie Higgins A good number of his songs were translated into English and sung by stars such as Nina Simone and Liza Minnelli.
Perhaps his biggest hit, Et Maintenant, was reprised by Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Elvis Presley, among others, under the title What Now My Love. L’Opéra .