French Canadian Folk Music- What You Need to Know

French Canadian folk music is a genre of music that is unique to the region. Here’s what you need to know about this style of music.

What is French Canadian folk music?

French Canadian folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in French Canada. It has its roots in the folk music of France and the Celtic music of Quebec. It is closely related to the Acadian French folk music of the Maritime provinces of Canada.

The history of French Canadian folk music

The history of French Canadian folk music is entwined with the history of Canada itself. French settlers arrived in Canada in the 1600s, and their music mixed with the music of the Indigenous peoples and the music of other European settlers, creating a unique musical tradition.

French Canadian folk music is characterized by its use of the fiddle, accordion, and other traditional instruments. The music is often upbeat and lively, and it often tells stories of rural life in Quebec.

One of the most famous French Canadian folk songs is “À la claire fontaine”, which tells the story of a young woman who goes to the fountain to wash her linen and meets a young man who convinces her to run away with him.

Another popular French Canadian folk song is “Un Canadien errant”, which tells the story of a man who is forced to leave his home because of political unrest.

French Canadian folk music has been popularized by many artists, including Anne Murray, Celine Dion, and Rene Simard.

The instruments used in French Canadian folk music

French Canadian folk music is a genre of music that originated in Canada. While there are many different types of folk music, French Canadian folk music is typically characterized by its use of the fiddle, accordion, and other traditional instruments.

The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. It is the primary instrument used in French Canadian folk music, and it is often accompanied by the accordion. The fiddle has a long history in Canada, and it was brought to the country by Scottish and Irish immigrants.

The accordion is a portable keyboard instrument that is played by pressing the keys with one hand while operating the bellows with the other. Like the fiddle, the accordion is a traditional instrument of French Canadian folk music.

Other instruments commonly used in French Canadian folk music include the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and penny whistle. These instruments are often used to provide accompaniment for the fiddle and accordion.

The different genres of French Canadian folk music

French Canadian folk music is a genre of music that is unique to the province of Quebec. There are many different genres of French Canadian folk music, each with its own history and tradition.

The most common type of French Canadian folk music is Québécois music, which is a form of folk music that originated in the 17th century. Québécois music is characterized by its use of the fiddle, acoustic guitar, and accordion. It is often sung in French, and it often has a slower tempo than other types of folk music.

Another type of French Canadian folk music is Métis music, which is a form of folk music that originated among the Métis people of Quebec. Métis Music is characterized by its use of the fiddle and finger-style guitar playing. It is often sung in both French and English, and it often has a faster tempo than Québécois music.

Cajun music is another type of French Canadian folk music that has its roots in the Acadian culture of Quebec. Cajun Music is characterized by its use of the fiddle and accordion. It is often sung in Cajun French, and it often has a fast tempo.

Finally, Newfoundland Music is a type of folk music that originated in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland Music is characterized by its use of the fiddle and acoustic guitar. It is often sung in Newfoundland English, and it often has a slower tempo than other types of folk music.

The influence of French Canadian folk music on other genres

French Canadian folk music has had a profound influence on other genres. The music is characterized by its use of the fiddle, accordion, and guitar, and its focus on group singing. The lyrics often deal with life in the rural countryside, and the music is often upbeat and lively. French Canadian folk music has been instrumental in the development of country music, bluegrass, and even rock and roll.

The popularity of French Canadian folk music

French Canadian folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This is due in part to the growing number of people interested in their roots, and in part to the increasing number of Franco-Ontarians and Québécois who are moving to other parts of Canada.

There are many different genres of French Canadian folk music, including traditional songs, ballads, waltzes, reels, jigs, polkas and more. The instruments used vary depending on the region, but can include accordions, fiddles, guitars, harmonicas, mandolins, penny whistles and violins.

French Canadian folk music is often lively and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing. If you’re planning a wedding or other special event, consider hiring a folk band to provide entertainment. You and your guests will be sure to enjoy the lively tunes!

The future of French Canadian folk music

French Canadian folk music is a genre that is rich in history and culture. For many years, it has been a vital part of the country’s musical tradition. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the popularity of this genre. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of other genres of music, and the declining interest in traditional French Canadian culture.

Despite this decline, there is still a strong interest in French Canadian folk music among many people. This is evident by the number of people who continue to play this type of music, and by the amount of research that is being carried out on the subject. There are also a number of festivals and events that are dedicated to this genre of music.

The future of French Canadian folk music is uncertain. However, it is possible that it will experience a resurgence in popularity, as more people become interested in its unique sound and history.

10 French Canadian folk songs you need to know

Folk music is the music of the people and is often passed down through generations. It is a reflection of the history, culture and lives of those who create it. French Canadian folk music is no different.

There are many different types of French Canadian folk songs, from traditional ballads to more modern folk-rock. Here are 10 French Canadian folk songs you need to know:

1. “L’Histoire de Ti-Jean” by Hector Bertin
2. “La Bolduc” by Joseph Vézina
3. “La Corriveau” by Amédée Breau
4. “Le Violoneux” by Adolphe Chapleau
5. “Un Canadien errant” by Antoine Gerin-Lajoie
6. “Les raquettes dans les neiges” by Georges Hamel
7. “à la claire fontaine” by Traditional
8. “C’est l’aviron” by Traditional
9. “Les petits oiseaux du printemps” by Yvon Deschamps
10. “Quand les hommes vivront d’amour” by Pierre Calvé

10 French Canadian folk musicians you need to know

Canadian folk music has long been shaped by the country’s geography and history. From the early days of European settlement to the present, the music of Canada’s people has been influenced by the Celtic, Anglo-American, and French traditions brought over by settlers, as well as by the music of Indigenous peoples.

The French-Canadian tradition is particularly rich and diverse, drawing on both popular and traditional styles. Here are 10 French Canadian folk musicians you need to know.

1. Jean Carignan

A master fiddler, Carignan was born in 1916 in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Québec. He began playing violin at a young age and went on to become one of the most influential fiddlers in Canadian folk music. He played in a number of different styles, including Québécois, Irish, Scottish, and old-time American. He also composed some of Canada’s most iconic fiddle tunes, such as “Le Reel du Pendu” and “Laoussez les bons temps rouler.”

2. Maud Hart Lovelace

Lovelace was a prolific writer of children’s literature who was born in 1892 in Mankato, Minnesota. Her family moved to Montréal when she was a child, and she spent her summers in Québec’s Eastern Townships. Her series of books about the fictional characters Betsy Ray and Tacy Kelly are set in small-town America during the early 20th century and are beloved by generations of readers. She also wrote a number of books about Quebec folklore and traditional music.

3. Joseph Allard

Allard was a fiddler and composer from Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Québec. He was born into a family of musicians in 1873 and learned to play the violin from his father. He went on to tour with various dance bands and circuses before settling down in Québec City in 1911. He became one of the most popular musicians in Quebec during the 1920s and 1930s, playing at dances and sociables throughout the province. He composed dozens of tunes which were published in several collections, including Fiddle Music of Quebec (1933) and Enchanting Melodies (1937).
4. Wilf Carter

Carter was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, yodeller,and all-around entertainer who was born in Nova Scotia in 1904. He began performing as a teenager and soon became known for his unique style of country music which blended influences from Scottish and French Canadian folk traditions. His hits included “My Little Swift Footed Wife” and “Down In The Hills Of Tennessee.” In later years he toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States, appearing on radio shows and television programs such as The Grand Ole Opry . After his death in 1996, he was inducted into both the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame

French Canadian folk music festivals you need to know about

If you’re a fan of French Canadian folk music, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great festivals dedicated to this genre. Here are just a few of the most popular ones that you should check out:

• Festival d’été de Québec: This massive event takes place every July in Quebec City and features over 300 artists from all over the world.

• Festival acadien de Caraquet: This annual festival celebrates Acadian culture and features a variety of traditional music and dance performances.

• Festival FrancoFolies de Montréal: Taking place in Montreal each summer, this festival is one of the largest French-language music festivals in the world.

• Ottawa Folk Festival: This popular festival takes place in Canada’s capital city each September and features a diverse lineup of folk, roots, and world music performers.