Folk Music in Newfoundland: A Tradition Worth Keeping Alive

Newfoundland is a place with a rich history and culture, and that is evident in its folk music. This type of music has been passed down through the generations and is still being performed today. It is a tradition worth keeping alive.

The History of Folk Music in Newfoundland

Newfoundland’s folk music tradition is unique in Canada, and has its roots in the English, Irish, and Scottish traditions brought over by early settlers. Newfoundland’s folk music is also influenced by the music of the province’s indigenous people, the Inuit. Newfoundland’s folk music has evolved over the centuries, and has been shaped by the province’s history and geography.

The first folk music in Newfoundland was brought over by English, Irish, and Scottish settlers in the 1600s and 1700s. These settlers brought with them instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, penny whistle, and bodhran. The earliest folk songs in Newfoundland were probably ballads sung by these settlers around their campfires. These ballads told stories of love, loss, adventure, and death, and were passed down from generation to generation.

As more settlers arrived in Newfoundland, they brought with them different types of folk music from their homeland. For example, German immigrants brought with them traditional polkas and waltzes. These different musical traditions began to mix together to create a unique Newfoundland sound.

In the early 1800s, Newfoundland’s first governor, Sir Richard Hazard was an amateur musician and he encouraged musical activities among the settlers. Hazard helped to organize musical events such as concerts and dances. He also collected songs from oral tradition and had them published in newspapers and books. This helped to spread the popularity of Newfoundland’s folk music beyond just those who lived in the province.

In 1855, a New York newspaper described Newfoundland’s folk music as “a rude but pleasant kind of music.” By the late 1800s, some people were beginning to see Newfoundland’s folk music as a valuable part of the province’s heritage. In 1893, an American writer named Sarah Orne Jewett wrote about her visit to a small fishing village on Newfoundland’s coast. She described how “the men sat on benches along the wall…and sang all evening.” This was one of the first times that someone from outside of Newfoundland had written about the province’s folk music tradition.

During the early 1900s, several factors contributed to a decline in popularity of Newfoundland’s folk music tradition. Many young people left rural areas to work in cities or other parts of Canada or United States. The First World War also had a devastating effect on Newfoundland’s economy and society. As a result of these changes, traditionalsong gatherings became less common.

In 1934, however ,the Great Depression also caused many people to lose their jobs and forced many families to move to urban areas in search of work .This led to a resurgence of interest in folk music as people looked for ways to connect with their roots . In 1935 ,the Fisheries Broadcast Service (now known as CBC Radio) began broadcasting traditional songs from across Newfoundland . This helped to promote awareness of –and pride in-the Province’s musical heritage .
It wasn’t until 1951 that someone began collecting and recording Folk Songs again when Dr .Helene Maurette started working for Memorial University . After years spent researching ,collecting ,and transcribing songs she published “Songs Of The Outports Of Newfoundland”in 1960 .The book was welcomed by people across Canada who finally had access to this previously hidden musical genre .

The Importance of Folk Music in Newfoundland

Folk music is an important part of Newfoundland’s culture and heritage. For centuries, folk music has been passed down from generation to generation, and it continues to play a significant role in the lives of Newfoundlanders today.

Folk music is more than just entertainment; it is a way of life. It is a way of connecting with our history and our roots. It is a way of expressing who we are as a people. Folk music is an important part of our identity, and it is something that we should be proud of.

Sadly, folk music is in danger of being lost. With the advent of technology and the ever-changing tastes of the general public, folk music is in danger of becoming nothing more than a relic of the past. We cannot let this happen. We must do everything we can to keep folk music alive and well in Newfoundland.

One way to keep folk music alive is to support the musicians who play it. There are many talented folk musicians in Newfoundland, but they often struggle to make a living. If you enjoy listening to folk music, make an effort to buy CDs or see live shows by Newfoundlandfolk musicians. This will help to ensure that these musicians can continue to make a living doing what they love.

Another way to keep folk music alive is to pass it down to future generations. If you know someone who lovesfolk music, take the time to teach them your favourite songs or share your favourite recordings with them. Folk music should be enjoyed by everyone, and it is up to us to make sure that it stays alive for future generations.

The Future of Folk Music in Newfoundland

Folk music in Newfoundland is a living, evolving tradition – one that is passed down from generation to generation and constantly being revitalized by new performers. It is an important part of the province’s cultural heritage, and its future is bright.

There are many ways to keep folk music alive in Newfoundland. One is to support the work of traditional musicians, often through government funding or private donations. Another is to encourage young people to take up the tradition by providing opportunities to learn and perform. And finally, it is important to create an environment in which folk music can thrive – whether that means organizing concerts or building venues specifically for folk music.

The future of folk music in Newfoundland is in good hands. There are many individuals and organizations working hard to ensure that this vital part of the province’s culture continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Newfoundland Folk Festival

The Newfoundland Folk Festival is an annual event that takes place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The festival is one of the oldest and largest folk festivals in North America, and has been running continuously since 1947. The festival features a wide range of traditional Newfoundland music, dance, and storytelling, as well as performances by regional and international folk artists.