17th Century Folk Music: A Brief History

17th century folk music was a time of great change and evolution. It was during this time that the first folk songs began to be written and performed, and the genre began to develop its own distinct identity.

The roots of 17th century folk music can be traced back to the traditions of earlier centuries, such as medieval ballads and Renaissance madrigals. However, the style of 17th century folk music was very different from anything that had come before. The new music was more vibrant and expressive, and often made use of simple, catchy melodies.

One of the most important figures in the development of 17th century folk music was the English composer John Playford. Playford was a key figure in popularisingfolk music, and his influential publication The Dancing Master helped to make it mainstream. Other important composers of this period include Thomas D’Urfey, Henry Purcell, and William Lawes.

By the end of the 17th century, folk music had become an integral part of British culture. It would go on to influence many other genres, including country music and rock ‘n’ roll.

The origins of folk music

Folk music has its origins in the medieval music of Europe, which was largely religious in nature. In the 17th century, folk music began to take on a more secular character and was used for entertainment purposes. This type of music was often performed by traveling musicians, who would play at public houses, inns, and markets. Folk music was also popular at fairs and country dances.

In the 18th century, folk music became more refined and was used for entertainment in the homes of aristocrats and wealthy landowners. This period saw the development of many different genres of folk music, including ballads, reels, jigs, hornpipes, and waltzes. Folk music also began to be used as a means of protest during this time, as singers began to write songs about social and political issues.

The 19th century saw a renewed interest in folk music, as collectors began to collect songs from all over Europe and America. This period also saw the rise of Romanticism, which led to an increased interest in folk music as a means of expressing national identity. Many composers began to incorporate folk elements into their work during this time.

The 20th century saw a decline in the popularity of folk music, due to the rise of other genres such as jazz and rock & roll. However, there has been a recent revival of interest in folk music, due to its simple style and traditional values.

The rise of folk music in the 17th century

The 17th century was a time of great change in England. The country was emerging from a long period of religious turmoil, and new ideas about patriotism and national identity were beginning to take hold. One of the most important expressions of this new national spirit was the rise of folk music.

Folk music had been an important part of English culture for centuries, but it was in the 17th century that it really began to come into its own. This was largely due to the work of two key figures: John Playford and William Chappell.

Playford was a London-based publisher who released a series of hugely popular collections of folk songs, dances and tunes. His most famous work, The English Dancing Master, went through no less than 11 editions between 1651 and 1728. Chappell, meanwhile, was a musician and historian who did much to popularize folk music among the educated classes.

The rise of folk music in the 17th century was an important step in the development of English cultural identity. It also had a significant impact on the course of musical history, both in England and beyond.

The popularity of folk music in the 17th century

Folk music enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 17th century. This was due in part to the increased availability of printed music, which made it easier for people to learn and play songs. The rise of the middle class also contributed to the popularity of folk music, as this group had more leisure time and disposable income to devote to pursuits like music.

Many of the most popular folk songs of the 17th century were about love, loss, and other emotional topics. This was likely due to the fact that people often used music as a way to express their feelings. The accessibility of folk music also meant that it was often used as a form of protest or social commentary.

The decline of folk music in the 17th century

Due to the declining popularity of folk music in the 17th century, many folk musicians were forced to give up their musical careers and find other work. This was a time of great change in Europe, and folk music was not immune to the changes taking place. The rise of cities and the growth of the middle class led to a decline in the popularity of folk music, as people increasingly preferred more polished and refined forms of entertainment. This trend continued into the 18th century, and by the end of the century, folk music had all but disappeared from mainstream culture.

The revival of folk music in the 17th century

Folk music underwent a revival in the 17th century, due in part to the growing popularity of the theater. Plays were often accompanied by music, and the best- known playwrights of the time, such as William Shakespeare, also wrote songs for their plays. Ballads, popular songs that told stories, were particularly well suited to the theater and became very popular. Many of these ballads were about famous events or people, and they were often collected and published in books.

The popularity of folk music continued into the 18th century. However, by this time, some people were beginning to think of folk music as being old-fashioned and unsophisticated. In response to this criticism, some composers began writing what they called “art music” or “concert music”—music that was not intended for dancing or singing along with, but was meant to be listened to passively. As art music became more popular, folk music fell out of fashion and was largely forgotten until the 20th century.

The influence of folk music on other genres

Though often looked down upon, folk music has had a profound influence on the development of many other genres, most notably country and rock. In the 17th century, folk music was primarily English and Irish in origin, containing elements of dance and storytelling. The songs were often about love, loss, and heartache, as well as current events and controversial topics such as religion. As the centuries progressed, American folk music began to develop its own unique sound, influenced by the music of Africa and the Caribbean. Folk music continues to be an important part of American culture, with artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez helping to bring it into the mainstream.

The legacy of 17th century folk music

17th century folk music was a vital part of the lives of the people who lived during that time. It was used for entertainment, as a form of expression, and as a way to communicate messages. Many of the songs that were popular during that era are still known and loved today.

The legacy of 17th century folk music can be seen in many different ways. One of the most obvious is in the popularity of traditional folk music festivals. These events often feature music from that era, as well as more modern interpretations of it. Additionally, many contemporary musicians have been heavily influenced by 17th century folk music. This can be seen in the way they write their own songs, as well as in the style of their playing.

17th century folk music continues to have an impact on our world today. It is a reminder of our past and a source of inspiration for our future.

The future of 17th century folk music

What will the future of 17th century folk music be? This is a question that many people ask, as the popularity of this genre has exploded in recent years.

There are many different theories out there, but one thing is for sure: 17th century folk music will continue to evolve and change. We can expect to see new subgenres and styles emerging, as well as new artists bringing their own unique perspectives to the music.

The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain – 17th century folk music is here to stay!

Conclusion

In conclusion, 17th century folk music was a vital and important part of the social and cultural fabric of the time. It was a way for people to connect with each other and express their feelings and emotions. The music was varied and often reflective of the specific region or country in which it was created. There is a rich tradition of 17th century folk music that continues to this day, and it is something that should be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone.

17th Century Folk Music: A Brief History