19th and 20th Century France: La Musique

San Jose State University provides access to Music of 19th Century Paris. The "...site attempts an illustrated exploration of the musical composers and music culture of Paris during the nineteenth century, a period commonly referred to as the Romantic Era in music." The site provides a chronology of the time, biographies of important composers, and detailed information on opera, operetta, ballet, and popular music of the time period. 

Bal musette refers to a dance hall featuring accordion music. This style of music became popular in Paris beginning in the 1880s, but it evokes visions of Paris to listeners today.  Le Vieux Belleville is a Parisian bistro in the 20th arrondissement  that celebrates bal musette music and revelry nightly. Go to their homepage to watch a video about the music and dance style that continues to evoke visions of Paris.