BBC Radio Folk Music: The Best of British Folk

BBC Radio Folk Music: The Best of British Folk is a compilation of folk songs from the British Isles. This album features some of the most popular folk songs from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Introduction

British folk music has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. The genre has been continually evolving and influenced by a variety of factors, from political and social movements to geography and climate.

Today, British folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world, and there are many different subgenres and styles to explore. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best British folk music, from traditional ballads to modern interpretations.

What is folk music?

Folk music is a genre of music that traditionally uses regular speech or song, often with chanted words, and sometimes instruments, to give a performance. It is often associated with rural life or the simple life. The music is normally passed down orally from one folk singer or musician to another, and sometimes written down as a form of sheet music.

Folk music was an important part of the cultural life of communities before the rise of pop music and other commercial genres in the 20th century. It continues to play an important role in many cultures today, both in its original form and in more modern styles that have been influenced by folk music.

The term “folk music” can be used to describe a wide range of musical traditions from around the world. In Britain, “folk” tends to refer to traditional songs and music from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. But there is also a strong tradition of Celtic folk music from countries like Brittany and Cornwall in France, Galicia in Spain, and Cape Breton Island in Canada.

Other kinds of folk music include country folk (or “country”), blues folk, jazz folk, and even rock folk.

The history of folk music in Britain

Folk music has been part of the musical fabric of the British Isles for centuries. It has its roots in the music of the people who lived and worked on the land, and it developed over time into a rich tradition of songs and tunes passed down from generation to generation.

The first collected edition of English folk songs was published by Francis James Child in 1882, and since then there have been many opportunities to hear folk music on the radio. The BBC has played an important role in promoting and preserving folk music, with programmes such as The Folksong Cellar, The Music Makers and Voice of the People.

Folk music entered the mainstream in the 1960s, with groups such as The Incredible String Band and Fairport Convention giving it a new lease of life. In more recent years, artists such as Kate Rusby, Eliza Carthy and Seth Lakeman have kept the tradition alive, while bands like Bellowhead and Levellers have given it a contemporary twist.

Whatever your taste in music, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this collection of BBC Radio folk programmes.

The British Folk Revival

The British Folk Revival refers to the period of time from the late 1940s to the early 1960s when there was a renewed interest in British folk music. This was partly due to the work of collecting folk songs by people such as Cecil Sharp and Maud Karpeles, and partly due to the influence of American folk music on British musicians such as Davy Graham and Bob Dylan. The revival also coincided with a time of social and political change in Britain, with the rise of the Labour Party and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, which led to a new interest in traditional left-wing folk songs. The revival culminated in the performance of folk music at the Cambridge Folk Festival, which was first held in 1965.

The contemporary folk scene

Although some people might think that folk music is a thing of the past, it is very much alive and thriving in the present day. The contemporary folk scene is made up of a wide range of artists who are keeping the tradition alive by creating new music that is influenced by the old.

There are many different subgenres of folk music, and each one has its own unique sound. Some of the most popular subgenres include Celtic folk, Americana, British Folk, and Nordic Folk. No matter what type of folk music you are interested in, there is sure to be an artist out there who is making the kind of music you love.

The best of British folk music

British folk music has a long and rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in this genre, with new bands and artists emerging onto the scene.

If you’re looking for a taste of the best that British folk music has to offer, then look no further than BBC Radio’s Folk Music: The Best of British Folk. This two-hour radio show features some of the finest folk musicians from across the UK, performing both traditional and contemporary tunes.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best of British folk music on BBC Radio.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BBC Radio Folk Music: The Best of British Folk is a great album for those who are looking for a comprehensive collection of folk music from the British Isles. It features a wide variety of artists, from traditional folk musicians to contemporary performers, and highlights the wide range of styles that make up this genre of music. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk tunes or want to explore the more modern side of the genre, this album is a great place to start.