Discovering 18th Century French Canadian Folk Music

Discovering 18th Century French Canadian Folk Music is a blog that explores the history and origins of this type of music.

Introduction

In the early 1700s, a group of French-speaking people known as the Acadians settled in the Maritime provinces of Canada. These settlers brought with them a rich tradition of folk music, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Acadian folk music is characterized by its use of the fiddle, accordion, guitar, and bass. These instruments are used to create catchy melodies and rhythms that are perfect for dancing. The music is often upbeat and happy, reflecting the Acadian people’s love of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating musical tradition, there are a few great resources that can help you get started.

What is French Canadian Folk Music?

French Canadian folk music is a type of music that was created by the people living in French Canadian communities in the 18th century. This music is characterized by its use of folk instruments, its focus on storytelling, and its use of traditional French Canadian folk songs.

The Origins of French Canadian Folk Music

French Canadian folk music has its roots in the music of France and the Celtic country of Brittany. In the 18th century, French Canadians began to develop their own musical traditions. By the 19th century, folk music had become an important part of the cultural identity of French Canadians.

Folk music was originally passed down from generation to generation orally. In the 18th century, books of folk songs were published in France and Canada. These books helped to preserve and spread French Canadian folk music.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many folk songs were recorded by ethnomusicologists. These recordings are an important source of information about French Canadian folk music.

Today, there are many folk musicians who play traditional French Canadian folk music. This music is often performed at festivals and dances.

The Development of French Canadian Folk Music

The 18th century was a time of great change in French Canada. The colony was established in the 1600s, but by the 1700s, it had become a thriving settlement. With the arrival of new immigrants from France, the colony began to develop its own unique culture. One of the most important aspects of this culture was music.

The early French settlers brought with them a wealth of traditional songs and dances from their homeland. These songs were often about love, loss, or religious faith. They were sung in French, but many also had versions in English and Native American languages. As the colony grew, these songs began to change. They began to incorporate elements of the new cultures that immigrants were bringing with them.

One of the most important influences on French Canadian folk music was the arrival of African slaves in the 1600s. These slaves brought with them a rich tradition of music and dance that would greatly influence the development of French Canadian folk music. Another important influence came from the British settlers who arrived in the 1700s. These settlers brought with them their own traditional songs and dances, which also began to influence the development of French Canadian folk music.

By the 1800s, French Canadian folk music had developed into its own distinct genre. This new genre was characterized by its use of simple melodies, its focus on storytelling, and its use of traditional instruments such as fiddles and accordions. It was often sung in a mixture of English and French, reflecting the cultural mixing that was taking place in French Canada at this time.

Today, French Canadian folk music is still an important part of Canada’s musical heritage. Thanks to its simple melodies and emotional lyrics, it continues to be popular among both English and French Canadians.

The Characteristics of French Canadian Folk Music

French Canadian folk music is a genre of music that dates back to the 18th century. This type of music is characterized by its use of fiddles, guitars, accordions, and other traditional folk instruments. French Canadian folk music is often upbeat and lively, with a focus on themes of love, loss, and French-Canadian life.

The Influence of French Canadian Folk Music

The influence of French Canadian folk music can be heard in various genres of music, from country to rock. This is due in part to the fact that many of the early settlers in North America were of French Canadian descent. Consequently, the music they brought with them from their homeland – and continued to create once they arrived in North America – was a blend of French, Celtic, and other folk traditions.

French Canadian folk music has been particularly influential in the development of country music. In the early 20th century, American country music artists such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family incorporated elements of French Canadian folk music into their songs. In more recent years, such artists as Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris have also been influenced by French Canadian folk music.

Rock music has also been influenced by French Canadian folk music. In the 1960s, American rock band The Grateful Dead began incorporating elements of French Canadian folk music into their live performances. The band continued to do so throughout their career, and their incorporation of this style of music helped to broaden the musical palette of rock.

The Significance of French Canadian Folk Music

French Canadian folk music includes a wide variety of songs and ballads that were passed down from generation to generation. This type of music was originally created by the people who lived in rural areas of Quebec, Canada. The music was used as a way to pass the time and to entertain others. It was also a way for people to communicate their feelings and emotions.

French Canadian folk music is significant because it represents the culture and heritage of the French Canadian people. The music is a reflection of the people’s way of life, their values, and their beliefs. The songs and ballads that were created by the French Canadian people tell us a lot about who they were and how they lived.

The French Canadian folk music tradition is still alive today. There are now many folk groups and performers that play this type of music. Some of these groups have even won international awards for their work.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the folk music of 18th century French Canada was varied and interesting. It was a product of the cultural mixing that took place in the New World, and it reflected the everyday lives of ordinary people. While some of the songs were light-hearted and danceable, others dealt with more serious topics such as love, loss, and religion.

Despite its humble origins, this music has endured, and in recent years there has been a renewed interest in it. Thanks to the work of modern day folk musicians, we can still enjoy these songs today.