Discover Dutch Folk Music

Discover Dutch Folk Music explores the vibrant and varied folk music scene of the Netherlands. From traditional songs to modern ballads, this blog has it all.

Introduction to Dutch Folk Music

Dutch Folk music is the traditional music of the Dutch people. It is played on acoustic instruments, such as the accordion, fiddle, flute, and guitar. The music is usually based on the pentatonic scale and is often accompanied by dance.

What is Dutch Folk Music?

Dutch Folk Music is the traditional music of the Netherlands. It is often based on a single melody played over and over again, with different variations each time. The tune is usually quite simple, so that it can be easily learned and remembered.

Most Dutch Folk Music is played on traditional instruments, such as the accordion, fiddle, flute, and drums. Some of the more popular Dutch Folk songs are “Ack Värmeland du sköna”, “Als ik kom in dit stadje”, “De HollandseMan”, “EenDubbeltje op zijn kop”, “In een groenen krekelhof”, “Ja Ja De Lieve Vogeltjes”, “Malle Babbe” , “Slaap kindje slaap” , and “Wiegelied”.

If you are interested in learning more about Dutch Folk Music, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find a number of folk music festivals held throughout the Netherlands each year.

The Origins of Dutch Folk Music

Folk music of the Netherlands is, just like the country itself, a blend of different cultures. Influences from France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and even Spain can be heard in Dutch folk music.

The earliest known examples of Dutch folk music date back to the 13th century. By the 16th century, folk music was already an important part of Dutch culture. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Dutch Folk songs were written down and collected by scholars. This has helped keep Dutch folk music alive until today.

One of the most important things to know about Dutch folk music is that it is often divided into two main categories: ‘West’ and ‘East’. The dividing line between these two types of folk music is roughly the river Rhine.

West-Dutch folk music is typically characterized by its use of instruments such as the accordion and trumpet. East-Dutch folk music often features the fiddle (violin) and has a more ‘gipsy’ sound to it.

The Instruments of Dutch Folk Music

The Fiddle

The fiddle is the most popular instrument in Dutch folk music. It is a string instrument that is played with a bow, and it has a very distinctive sound. The fiddle is often used in folk dances, and it is also used in traditional Dutch songs.

The Bagpipe

The bagpipe is a popular folk instrument in the Netherlands, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country. It is often used to lead marching bands, and can be heard at fairs and festivals.

There are two types of Dutch bagpipes: the Middelburg bagpipe and the Gouda or North Holland bagpipe. The Middelburg has a single drone, while the Gouda has two drones. Both types of pipes are tuned to a major scale.

The bagpipe is traditionally played by men, although there are now some women players as well. The music of the bagpipe is cheerful and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing.

The Accordion

The accordion is a popular instrument in Dutch folk music. It is a type of concertina, a handheld bellows-driven instrument with metal reeds that produce sound when air is forced through them. The player squeezes the accordion’s bellows to force air past the reeds, causing them to vibrate. The pitch of the sound depends on the length of the reed, with longer reeds producing lower pitches.

The accordion first appeared in Europe in the early 1800s and quickly became popular among folk musicians. It is particularly well suited to Dutch folk music because of its ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from accompany other instruments to playing lead melodies.

Some of the most popular Dutch folk songs that feature the accordion are “De Alde Puthond,” “Het Spaanse Schaep,” “Dek Me Dan As Toen,” and “As de Lijte Gaot.”

The Styles of Dutch Folk Music

Dutch Folk music is a style of music that is typically associated with the Netherlands. This type of music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the accordion, fiddle, and recorder. Dutch Folk music often has a festive and joyful sound, and it is often used to celebrate special occasions.

Liedjes

Liedjes are traditional Dutch songs that are typically about love, Nature, or drinking. They are often a cappella, but can also be accompanied by accordion, violin, or guitar. Liedjes are usually in minor keys and have a simple, sing-along melody. Some well-known liedjes are “Dat Komt Door Jou” and “Ik Heb je Lief.”

Wiegeliedjes are a type of liedje that is specifically about infants or young children. They are usually very sweet and sentimental, and often have a nursery rhyme-like quality to them. “Het Kleine Café Aan De Haven” and “Slaap Kindje Slaap” are both well-known wiegeliedjes.

Streekliedjes are regional Dutch songs that often celebrate the specific culture or landscape of the singer’s hometown. They can be about anything from love to farming, but always paint a picture of life in that particular region. Some well-known streekliedjes are “Drenthe” and “Geef Mij Maar Amsterdam.”

Nederlandstalige pop songs (Dutch pop songs) are modern pop songs that are sung in the Dutch language. These songs often have English influences and use electronic production techniques. Some well-known Nederlandstalige pop songs are “Als Het Avond Is” by Kraak & Smaak and “Bloedend Hart” by Guus Meeuwis.

Polka

Polka is a genre of Dutch folk music that is fast-paced and usually played with accordions. It originated in the 19th century and was popularized by immigrants from Central Europe.

Waltz

The waltz is a popular dance in 3/4 time. It is often danced to Dutch waltz music, but can also be danced to polka music or any 3/4 time music.

The most common type of waltz is the slow waltz, which is danced at a tempo of about 120 beats per minute. This tempo is too slow for mostDutch folk dance music, so the Waltz is usually danced to polka music or other 3/4 time music.

The Viennese Waltz is a faster version of the waltz, danced at a tempo of about 180 beats per minute. This tempo is more suitable for Dutch folk dance music, and Viennese Waltzes are often played at Dutch folk dances.

The Famous Dutch Folk Musicians

Dutch folk music has been gaining in popularity lately. Musicians such as Jan-Willem Breuker, Jacco Gardner, and Sjaak Kroon have been bringing the traditional music of the Netherlands to a new audience. If you’re interested in learning more about Dutch folk music, then read on.

Johan Bredewout

Johan Bredewout is a famous Dutch folk musician who has been playing the bass guitar and singing since he was a young boy. He comes from a family of musicians and has been performing with various bands and soloists throughout his career. His style is unique, blending traditional folk music with elements of jazz and rock. He has released several albums and toured internationally.

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562 – 1621) was a Dutch composer, organist, and pedagogue who served as the organist of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam from 1580 until his death. He was one of the most famous and influential composers, teachers, and performers of his time. His work was highly sought after by contemporaries and followers alike, and he exerted a significant influence on the development of both Dutch and north German organ music. Sweelinck’s pupils included several notable composers, such as Heinrich Schütz, Jacob Regnart, Samuel Scheidt, and Melchior Schildt.

Willem Pijper

Willem Pijper (1894-1947) is considered one of the most important Dutch composers of the 20th century. A music critic, musicologist and composer, Pijper was highly influential in the promotion of Dutch music both in the Netherlands and abroad. He was a pioneer in the field of twelve-tone composition and his work is characterized by its strong contrapuntal style. Pijper’s most famous work is his Symphony No. 4, which was inspired by the paintings of Rembrandt.

Conclusion

Dutch folk music is an important part of the country’s heritage. The music is often used for dancing, and it is also popular at festivals and other celebrations. There are many different styles of Dutch folk music, and each region has its own distinctive sound. If you’re interested in learning more about this musical tradition, there are a few great resources available online. You can also find a number of Dutch folk musicians who perform at concerts and other events around the world.