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Discusses the history and content of the chanson, or French popular song, in light of the October 1998 opening of French singer Charles Aznavour's show entitled `Aznavour' at the Marquis Theater in New York City. Stereotypes that obscure the chanson; Its ability to arouse emotion in both singer and audience; Early idols of the genre; Release by French company EPM of the `Anthologie de la Chanson Francaise Enregistree'; View that the chanson is dead. INSET: The Chanson Under Attack, by Helene Hazera.

Profiles French composer Olivier Messiaen, whose complete organ works are to be played in six concerts at Riverside Church in New York, New York by the American organist Jon Gillock. Biographical background; How he began playing the organ; Type of music that Messiaen plays; The theme of religion in his music; How Gillock researched and learned the works of Messiaen.