Ah! Ça ira! – Gojira, Marina Viotti, and Victor Le Masne

Ah! Ça ira! The track is finally available on all platforms. “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” by Gojira, Marina Viotti, and Victor Le Masne has been long-awaited by fans worldwide. At last, we can add this song to our playlists and relive that epic performance by Gojira at the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Track and Lyrics:

[Marie Antoinette]
Ah! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira,
Les aristocrates à la lanterne!
Ah! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira,
Les aristocrates on les pendra!

[Joe]
Ah ça ira
Mea Culpa!
Ah ça ira
Mea Culpa!

[Marina]
Ah ça ira, réjouis-toi!
Ah ça ira, le bon temps viendra
Ah ça ira, mea culpa!

[Joe]
Let us rejoice, good times will come
Without fear for fire or flame
No!
Ah ça ira!

[Choir]
Ah ça ira!
Ah ça ira!

Gojira: A Pioneering Force in Metal

Gojira is a French heavy metal band that has gained international acclaim for its powerful sound and environmentally conscious lyrics. Formed in 1996 in Bayonne, France, the band consists of brothers Joe Duplantier (vocals and guitar) and Mario Duplantier (drums), along with Christian Andreu (guitar) and Jean-Michel Labadie (bass). Over the years, Gojira has carved out a unique niche within the metal genre, blending elements of death metal, groove metal, and progressive metal to create a sound that is both crushingly heavy and surprisingly melodic.

Gojira’s music often tackles themes such as environmentalism, spirituality, and the human condition. This focus on serious, often philosophical topics, combined with their technical prowess and innovative songwriting, has set them apart in the metal scene. Albums like “From Mars to Sirius” (2005) and “Magma” (2016) have been particularly influential, with “Magma” earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance in 2016.

The band’s commitment to environmental causes is evident not only in their lyrics but also in their actions. They have been involved in several initiatives to raise awareness about environmental issues, such as deforestation and ocean conservation, and have collaborated with organizations like Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” marks a significant departure from Gojira’s usual sound, as the band explores a more orchestral and dramatic style, showcasing their versatility and willingness to experiment. This track, which was featured in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to a broader audience while still maintaining their core identity.

Marina Viotti: The Versatile Mezzo-Soprano

Marina Viotti is a Swiss-born mezzo-soprano known for her eclectic musical tastes and powerful vocal performances. Trained initially as a flutist, Viotti later transitioned to singing, studying under renowned teachers like Heidi Brunner and Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet. Her vocal range and ability to perform in various musical styles have earned her acclaim across Europe and beyond.

Viotti’s repertoire spans from opera to jazz, metal, and chanson, demonstrating her versatility and love for music in all its forms. She has performed in prestigious opera houses and concert halls worldwide, including La Scala in Milan, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, and the Staatsoper Stuttgart. Her performances are characterized by her deep emotional connection to the music and her ability to convey the subtleties of each piece.

What makes Marina Viotti particularly remarkable is her openness to blending different genres. She has a unique talent for infusing classical music with modern sensibilities, as evidenced by her collaborations with various contemporary artists. In “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)”, her operatic voice adds a dramatic and emotional depth to the track, complementing Gojira’s intense instrumentation and Victor Le Masne’s orchestration.

Viotti’s involvement in this project is a reflection of her adventurous spirit and her commitment to breaking down barriers between different musical genres. Her performance in this track is both powerful and nuanced, showcasing her ability to adapt her voice to different styles and contexts while maintaining its unique character.

Victor Le Masne: The Mastermind Composer and Producer

Victor Le Masne is a French composer, producer, and arranger known for his innovative approach to music production. A classically trained pianist, Le Masne has worked with a wide range of artists across genres, from indie pop to electronic and classical music. His background in both classical music and contemporary production techniques allows him to seamlessly blend these elements to create rich, textured soundscapes.

Le Masne has been involved in numerous high-profile projects, working with artists such as Philippe Katerine, Yuksek, and Woodkid. His ability to craft intricate arrangements that enhance the emotional impact of a song has made him a sought-after producer in the French music scene. He has also composed music for films, bringing his unique sensibilities to the world of cinema.

For “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)”, Le Masne brought his expertise in orchestration and production to the forefront, creating a sound that is both epic and intimate. His work on this track showcases his ability to blend classical and contemporary elements, creating a piece that feels timeless yet modern. The orchestral arrangements, combined with Gojira’s powerful metal sound and Marina Viotti’s operatic vocals, create a truly unique listening experience.

Le Masne’s role in this collaboration highlights his talent for bringing together diverse musical elements to create something entirely new. His contributions to the track are a testament to his ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible in music production.

The Collaboration: A Fusion of Genres and Talents

The collaboration between Gojira, Marina Viotti, and Victor Le Masne on “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” represents a fusion of genres and talents that transcends traditional musical boundaries. This track combines the raw energy and power of metal with the sophistication of classical music and the emotional depth of opera, resulting in a piece that is as compelling as it is innovative.

The choice to feature this song at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a bold one, reflecting the organizers’ desire to showcase a piece of music that embodies both the spirit of modernity and the rich cultural heritage of France. The performance was a stunning display of artistic collaboration, with each artist bringing their unique strengths to the table.

For Gojira, this collaboration offered an opportunity to reach a broader audience and explore new musical territory. For Marina Viotti, it was a chance to demonstrate her versatility and expand her repertoire beyond the traditional opera stage. And for Victor Le Masne, it was an opportunity to showcase his skills as a composer and producer, creating a piece that is both innovative and deeply moving.

Reliving the Epic Performance

Now that “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” is available on all platforms, fans can relive the magic of that unforgettable performance. Whether you are a longtime fan of Gojira, a lover of opera, or simply someone who appreciates innovative music, this track offers something for everyone. Add it to your playlist today and experience the powerful fusion of metal, classical music, and opera that made this performance one of the highlights of the 2024 Paris Olympics.