Programme 2: Tristesse

Carla Bruni's selection of melancholia.

Carla Bruni returns to BBC Radio 2 with C'est La Vie: her favourite French and English songs on the subjects of love, sadness and joy.

She last appeared on Radio 2 in 2014 with Postcards From Paris; now she's back with a deeper and personal selection of songs that have shaped her life.

France's former First Lady recently released French Touch, her fifth studio album, featuring her interpretations of songs by Depeche Mode, The Clash and AC/DC.

The Italian-born, globetrotting model's music career began in 2002, when she released "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" (in English, "Someone Told Me"), a surprise hit which sold two million copies in Europe.

Recorded in Carla's hometown of Paris, in Episode 2, Tristesse, she considers why the French excel at writing sad songs and how song writing has helped her overcome melancholy in her own life. Carla celebrates the songs of Barbara, her musical icon and the "tall, dark lady" of French song. Carla also plays her interpretation of Moon River, inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

With music from Marianne Faithfull, Jeanne Moreau and Charles Trenet.

Next week, in the final episode of the series, Carla chooses songs on the subject of joy. Show less