10 Fun Facts About English Folk Music

If you’re a fan of English folk music, then check out these 10 fun facts! You might be surprised to learn about the history and origins of some of your favorite tunes.

What is English Folk Music?

Folk music has been a staple in English culture for centuries. Though it has evolved over time, it remains an important part of the country’s musical heritage. Here are 10 fun facts about English Folk Music:

1. Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, meaning it was passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and song.

2. Many folk songs were written about real events and people, often telling stories of love, loss, and triumph.

3. Folk music was often used as a way to communicate political messages or protest against social injustice.

4. Many well-known classical composers were influenced by folk music, including Brahms, Dvorak, and Vaughan Williams.

5. The first ever commercial recording of folk music was made in 1899 by the Gramophone Company in England.

6. One of the most popular folk songs of all time is “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond,” which is still sung today by Scots all over the world.

7. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in English Folk Music, with many young people rediscovering the genre and taking up traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and guitar.

8. There are numerous folk festivals held throughout England each year, celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage.

9. Some of the most famous English Folk songs include “The Seal Lullaby,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “The Leaving of Liverpool.”
10\. English Folk Music is an important part of the country’s musical identity and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages today

The Origins of English Folk Music

The term “folk music” can be a little misleading. When most people think of folk music, they think of music that was created by “ordinary people,” or music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. However, the history of English folk music is a little more complex than that.

English folk music has its roots in the music of the Anglo-Saxons, who settled in England in the fifth century. The Anglo-Saxons were a mixture of Germanic and Celtic peoples, and their music reflected this mix. In addition, the Anglo-Saxons were influenced by the music of the Roman Empire, which had occupied England for centuries before the Anglo-Saxons arrived.

As time went on, other groups settled in England, including the Vikings and the Normans. These groups also brought their own musical traditions with them, which blended with the existing Anglo-Saxon tradition to create what we now know as English folk music.

One of the most important changes to English folk music came in the late medieval period with the arrival of the printing press. This new technology allowed for sheet music to be mass-produced for the first time, and it quickly became popular among both amateur and professional musicians. This helped to standardize musical notation and made it easier for people to learn new songs.

Another important development was the rise of professional touring bands in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These bands traveled around England (and sometimes beyond) performing for paying audiences. This helped to spread different regional styles of folk music throughout the country.

Today, English folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’re interested in learning more about this rich and varied musical tradition, there are many resources available online and in libraries.

The Influence of English Folk Music

Many people think of English folk music as being sleepy and quaint, but the genre has actually been quite influential throughout the years. Here are 10 fun facts about English folk music:

1. Some of the most famous classical composers have been inspired by English folk music, including Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten and Gustav Holst.

2. The Beatles incorporated elements of English folk music into their sound, particularly on their 1968 self-titled album (also known as the “White Album”).

3. The British rock band Led Zeppelin was also influenced by English folk music, and they included a traditional song called “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” on their debut album.

4. Folk rock bands like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span brought English folk music to a whole new audience in the 1960s and 1970s.

5. English folk music has also been adapted for television and film, most notably in the 1971 movie “The Wicker Man” which featured Scottish actor Edward Woodward singing a traditional song called “The Landlord’s Daughter”.

6. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in English folk music, with bands like Bellowhead and The Mummers bringing a new energy to the genre.

7. Many of the traditional songs that are now considered to be part of the English folk canon were actually first recorded by American musicians like Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly.

8. The most famous English folk song is probably “The Ballad of Dick Turpin”, which tells the story of an 18th century highwayman who was hanged for his crimes.

9. Other popular English folk songs include “Scarborough Fair”, “Wild Mountain Thyme” and “The Bonny Earl o’ Moray”.

10. If you’re interested in learning more about English folk music, there are many excellent books and websites that can provide you with further information.

The Instruments of English Folk Music

There is a great variety of instruments used in English Folk Music. The three main categories are wind, strings, and percussion.

Wind Instruments:
-The accordion is a popular choice for English Folk Music. It is a portable instrument that can be played either solo or in a group.
-The concertina is another popular choice for English Folk Music. It is similar to the accordion but has a different layout of buttons.
-The melodeon is a type of small accordion that is often used in English Folk Music.
-The recorder is a type of flute that is often used in English Folk Music.
-The tin whistle is a type of flute that is often used in English Folk Music.
-The bagpipes are sometimes used in English Folk Music.

String Instruments:
-The banjo is a popular choice for English Folk Music. It originated in Africa and was brought to America by slaves.
-The guitar is a popular choice for English Folk Music. It can be played either solo or in a group.
-The mandolin is a popular choice for English Folk Music. It is similar to the guitar but has a different layout of strings.
-The fiddle is a popular choice for English Folk Music. It originated in Europe and was brought to America by immigrants.
-The ukulele is sometimes used in English Folk Music. It originated in Hawaii and was brought to America by immigrants from Portugal and other parts of Polynesia.
Percussion Instruments: -Drums are often used in English Folk Music. They can provide the rhythm for the whole group or just add accents -Clapping and stomping are often used instead of drums in order to keep the beat – cowbells, triangles, cymbals, and other types of percussion instruments are sometimes used in English Folk MUSIC

The Styles of English Folk Music

There are many different styles of English folk music, from the gentle ballads of the North East to the lively jigs and reels of the South West.Here are ten facts about some of the most popular styles of folk music from around England.

1. Most English folk music is based on the traditions of the Celtic countries (Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall).
2. The term ‘folk music’ can refer to both traditional songs passed down through the generations, and more modern songs written in a traditional style.
3. The best-known English folk musicians include Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and Pentangle.
4. One of the most famous English folk songs is ‘Scarborough Fair’, which was made popular by Simon & Garfunkel in the 1960s.
5. Other well-known English folk songs include ‘The Cruel War Is Raging’, ‘The Banks of Green Willow’ and ‘I Will Give My Love an Apple’.
6. The most popular instruments used in English folk music are the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, accordion and penny whistle.
7. Folk music from England is often characterised by its use of minor keys, complex harmonies and fast tempos.
8. Many traditional English folk songs tell stories of love, loss, death and heartbreak.
9. Some famous dance forms associated with English folk music include Morris dancing, Sword dancing and Rapper sword dancing.
10. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for English folk music, with many young people taking an interest in traditional songs and dances

The Lyrics of English Folk Music

1. Many of the traditional songs of England have their roots in the medieval period.
2. Ballads, which are narrative songs often about love and loss, are a key part of the English folk tradition.
3. Many traditional English songs make use of rhyming couplets, similar to those found in nursery rhymes.
4. A number of English folk songs make use of so-called “stock” phrases, which are reused throughout different songs.
5. English folk music often makes use of simple melodic tunes which are easy to remember and sing along to.
6. A number of traditional English folk instruments are used in folk music, including the fiddle, accordion, concertina, and melodeon.
7. The Morris dance is a traditional dance form associated with English folk music.
8. The term “folk music” can be used to refer to both traditional music passed down orally, as well as more contemporary music composed in a similar style.
9. A number of famous musicians have been influenced by English folk music, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.
10. The UK-based charity Folkworks works to promote and support traditional English folklore and culture

The Singers of English Folk Music

Most people think of Bob Dylan or Joan Baez when they think of folk music, but the genre has a long and storied history in England. Here are 10 fun facts about English folk music:

1. The first ever reference to English folk music dates back to the 13th century.
2. Folk music was originally performed by roaming minstrels who would sing songs for food and lodging.
3. Many of the early songs were ballads telling stories of love, loss, war, and death.
4. By the 16th century, professional musicians were performing folk songs in London’s streets and taverns.
5. The first ever collection of English folk songs was published in 1588.
6. In the 18th century, folk songs began to be used as a form of political protest against the ruling class.
7. The 19th century saw a significant revival in interest in English folk music, led by figures such as Cecil Sharp and Martin Carthy.
8. In the 20th century, English folk music underwent something of a renaissance, with new performers such as Simon & Garfunkel and Fairport Convention taking the genre to new heights.
9. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in English folk music, with artists such as Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling becoming some of the most popular acts in the country.
10. There are now numerous festivals dedicated to English folk music, including Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival.

The Dances of English Folk Music

Dancing has always been an important part of English folk music, and there are many different dances that are associated with the genre. Some of the most popular dances include Morris dancing, Rapper dancing, and Sword dancing.

Morris dancing is perhaps the most well-known of all the English folk dances, and it is often performed at special events and festivals. Morris dancers typically wear brightly colored clothing and often have bells attached to their shoes. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of music, and it usually involves a lot of hopping and jumping.

Rapper dancing is another popular English folk dance, and it is similar to Morris dancing in that it is also performed to music. However, instead of bells, the dancers in a Rapper dance carry long strips of metal which they use to create rhythms as they dance. This type of dancing originated in the North East of England in the 19th century.

Sword dancing is another traditional English folk dance, and it is thought to date back to the 16th century. In a Sword dance, the dancers weave in and out of each other while holding swords, and they often perform dangerous-looking maneuvers with the weapons. This type of dance was particularly popular in the North East of England during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Festivals of English Folk Music

The Festivals of English Folk Music are an annual event that takes place in various locations across England. The festivals feature a wide range of folk music, from traditional songs and dances to more modern interpretations. Here are 10 fun facts about English Folk Music:

1. The first ever English Folk Music festival was held in 1967 in the town of Battle, East Sussex.

2. The largest English Folk Music festival is the Bromyard Folk Festival, which attracts over 20,000 visitors each year.

3. The Whitby Folk Week is one of the most popular folk festivals in England, and is known for its international lineup of performers.

4. The Shambala Festival is a relatively new addition to the English Folk Music scene, but has quickly become one of the most popular festivals, thanks to its unique atmosphere and setting.

5. Many of the festivals of English Folk Music take place in rural locations, such as farmer’s fields or country estates.

6. Most of the festivals feature a mix of indoor and outdoor concerts, with many of the outdoor venues being located in picturesque settings such as forests or on hillsides.

7. Many of the festivals also feature workshops, talks and other events alongside the music program, making them great places to learn about English Folk Music as well as enjoy it.

8. Some of the better known performers who have appeared at Festivals of English Folk Music include Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Jefferson Starship and Jethro Tull.

9. The Festivals of English Folk Music are generally held during the summer months, although there are a few that take place during the winter months too.

10. If you’re interested in attending one of the Festivals of English Folk Music, make sure to check out our Guide to Festivals for more information on what’s happening and when!

The Future of English Folk Music

Many people wrongly assume that English folk music is a thing of the past. However, there is a new generation of musicians who are keeping the tradition alive and introducing it to a new audience.

Here are 10 fun facts about English folk music:

1. English folk music dates back to the medieval period.
2. It was originally created by rural communities.
3. Each region of England has its own unique style of folk music.
4. The most popular instrument in English folk music is the accordion.
5. English folk music was traditional sung by farmers and shepherds as they worked.
6. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that English folk music began to be written down and preserved.
7. The first ever Folk Festival was held in Cecil Sharp House in London in 1907.
8. Many famous classical composers were inspired by English folk music, including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten.
9. In the 1960s, there was a revival of interest in English folk music, led by artists such as Martin Carthy and Davy Graham.
10. Today, there are many young people who are keeping the tradition of English folk music alive