What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is often characterized by its simple, catchy melodies and rhythms.

Introduction

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses traditional musical forms such as ballads and dance tunes, and often features the use of folk instruments such as the fiddle, banjo and accordion. Folk music often tells stories about the everyday lives of ordinary people, and has been passed down orally from generation to generation.

Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, and began to be written down only after the arrival of printing in Europe in the 15th century. One of the earliest known collections of folk songs is Theocritean Idylls, a book of ancient Greek poems originating from around 300 BC.

The term ‘folk music’ was first used inprint in 1846 by William B. Sandys in his Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern. He defined it as “music relating to the common people, composed by them or by professional musicians on popular themes”.

Folk music has since evolved to include a wide range of different styles and subgenres, from traditional folk songs to more modern contemporary folk.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. It is usually associated with the working class and rural areas, and is often seen as a symbol of national identity. Folk music has its roots in the medieval era, and has since been adapted and transformed by various cultures around the world.

The British Isles

Folk music has been around for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the British Isles. In the early days of folk music, there were two main types: traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. Traditional folk music was passed down from generation to generation, and was typically about everyday life, love, and death. Contemporary folk music, on the other hand, was typically about current events and social issues.

As time went on, folk music began to spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. In the early 20th century, America saw a huge resurgence in interest in folk music. This was due in part to the popularity of artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, who helped to popularize the genre. Folk music became an important part of the American identity, and continues to be popular today.

The United States

Folk music in the United States is often thought of as music that developed among the white, English-speaking population. However, folk music in the United States is actually quite diverse, and includes a number of different traditions from a variety of cultures.

One significant source of folk music in the United States is the British tradition. English, Scottish, and Irish immigrants brought a number of traditional songs and tunes with them when they came to America. These songs and tunes were often adapted to fit the American experience, and eventually became part of the broader American folk tradition.

Another important source of folk music in the United States is the African-American tradition. African-American folk music is a blend of both African and European traditions, and includes work songs, spirituals, blues, and jazz. This music was often passed down through oral tradition, and was an important part of the African-American experience.

The Native American tradition is also an important source of American folk music. Native American folk music includes a wide variety of musical styles, from traditional songs and dances to modern pop music. This music is often reflective of the Native American experience, and can be both spiritual and political in nature.

Finally, Hispanic traditions have also played a significant role in shaping American folk music. Mexican Folk Music, for example, includes a wide variety of musical styles that have been influenced by both European and Mexican traditions. Hispanic folklore has also had a significant impact on American popular culture, as evidenced by such things as Mariachi bands and Hispanic foodways.

The Characteristics of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is often associated with the music of the working class and is typically considered to be more simplistic in nature than other genres of music. Folk music often tells stories and is reflective of the culture and values of the people who created it.

Lyrics

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation orally. The lyrics of folk songs often deal with the lives of everyday people, and they often tell stories. Many folk songs are about love, loss, and heartbreak, but there are also many songs that are happy and upbeat. Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has been used as a way to tell stories and express emotions.

Instruments

Folk music is, simply put, music by and for the common people. Traditionally, folk music has been passed down orally, from one generation to the next. Folk music is usually based on traditional melodies and rhythms, and often tells stories about the daily lives of common people. The instruments used in folk music are often very simple, and are usually things that can be found around the house or in the countryside.

Some of the most common instruments used in folk music include:
-guitar
-banjo
-mandolin
-fiddle
-accordion
-harmonica
-piano

Form

Folk music is traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next. This means that there is no written record of the music, and it is often made up of many different versions (or ‘Variants’) of the same song. The folk process is at work when a singer introduces a new verse to a familiar song, or when a musician changes the melody or harmony to make it their own.

Folk songs are usually about everyday topics such as love, work, and death, and they often reflect the changing seasons or particular events in history. Many folk songs are Nursery rhymes or children’s game songs. Other popular types of folk song include ballads (traditional narrative songs), Sea shanties (songs sung by sailors), and rebel songs (songs about political resistance).

Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas. It can be accompanied by singing or clapping, and often features call-and-response vocals.

The Popularity of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries and is still popular today. Folk music is usually passed down orally from one generation to the next. Folk music is usually about the everyday lives of the people and is usually a reflection of the culture of the people.

The Folk Revival

The Folk Revival was a period of time in the late 50s and early 60s when there was a renewed interest in American folk music. This was partly due to the work of people like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, who were promoting the music as a way to fight for social change. The Folk Revival also coincided with the Civil Rights Movement, and many songs from this period are now considered protest songs.

Contemporary Folk Music

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artists like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers bringing the genre to the mainstream. But what is folk music, exactly?

Contemporary folk music is generally defined as music that is written and performed by people who identify with a particular cultural tradition. This can include musicians who are part of the “traditional” folk scene, as well as those who are influenced by folk music but don’t necessarily consider themselves to be part of that tradition.

Folk music often has a strong community focus, and is passed down from generation to generation. Folk songs often deal with personal or social issues, and can be very moving and emotional.

Folk music has a long history in the United States, with roots in the traditional music of British and Irish immigrants. American folk music was shaped by the experience of westward expansion, the Civil War, and the development of a unique melting pot culture. Folk songs like “Oh Susanna” and “This Land Is Your Land” have become part of our national consciousness, and continue to be during today.

Conclusion

Folk music expresses the realities, joys, sorrows, desires and aspirations of the people. It is the music of the common man and woman, music with roots that go deep into the soil of a region or a country. Folk music is the expression of the life of a people, and as such it is ever changing, growing and adapting to meet the needs of each new generation.