English Folk Music for a Happy New Year

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Looking for some English Folk Music to help ring in the New Year? Check out our top picks for the best happy and upbeat songs to help start 2020 off on the right foot!

English Folk Music – What is it and where does it come from?

English Folk Music is a genre of music that has its origins in the music of the people of England. The term ‘folk music’ was first used in the 18th century to describe a type of popular music that was known by, and performed for, the common people. It is a genre that has been shaped by many different factors over the years, including social, economic and religious change.

Folk music was originally passed down orally from generation to generation, and as such, it is often seen as the embodiment of a community’s tradition and identity. The songs were often about love, loss, work or current events, and would be adapted or updated to reflect the changing times. In recent years, English Folk Music has undergone something of a revival, with many young people taking an interest in this traditional form of music.

The history of English Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and has been an important part of the English musical tradition. It is often based on traditional songs, and made up of simple melodies and harmonies. The first folk music was probably created by the Celts, who lived in Britain before the Romans arrived. Folk music continued to be popular during the time of the Roman Empire, and later became even more popular during the Medieval period. In the late medieval period, many folk songs were written about social events such as weddings and religious festivals.

During the Renaissance, folk music became less popular, as people began to focus more on classical music. However, it regained popularity during the Industrial Revolution, when people began to move away from cities and into rural areas. In the twentieth century, folk music became even more popular, with a revival in both England and America. This revival was led by such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Folk music is still popular today, and is regularly performed at festivals and concerts all over the world.

The popularity of English Folk Music today

Though it has been around for centuries, English Folk Music is enjoying a renaissance in popularity today. More and more people are drawn to its simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics, which often tell stories of love, loss, and hope.

Folk music has always been a part of the English musical tradition, and it was especially popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. But after the Second World War, it fell out of favour with the younger generations. In recent years, however, there has been a revival of interest in folk music, led by a new generation of performers.

Today, English Folk Music is enjoyed by people of all ages, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. If you’re looking for some uplifting tunes to help you celebrate the New Year, look no further than English Folk Music!

The different styles of English Folk Music

Folk music has always been a part of English culture, with its origins lying in the music of the working classes. Over the years, it has evolved and been influenced by many different styles, from Celtic and Scandinavian music to that of the Roma people. Today, there are many different types of English folk music, each with its own unique sound and history.

One of the most popular types of English folk music is that which is played on the Northumbrian pipes. These pipes are very similar to those used in Scottish Highland bagpiping, but have a much sweeter sound. Northumbrian piping is often used for slow, mournful songs known as “laments”. Another popular type of English folk music is Morris dancing. This lively style features complex rhythms and is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the accordion, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer.

English folk music has also been influenced by Celtic music from Ireland and Scotland. This can be heard in the use of traditional Celtic instruments such as the bodhran (a type of drum) and the Irish flute. Many English folk songs also make use of more modern instrumentation, such as electric guitars and saxophones. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional English folk music, with many young people taking up the style.

The instruments used in English Folk Music

English Folk Music is considerably different from the music which is typically heard in the pubs. Generally, English Folk Music uses a variety of different instruments which include:
-The Fiddle
-The Flute
-The Bagpipes
-The Hammered Dulcimer
-The Accordion
-The concertina
-The melodeon

The lyrics of English Folk Music

English Folk Music has been around since the 16th century. It is a genre of music that is traditionally sung by the common people of England. The lyrics of English Folk Music are often about love, loss, and heartbreak. However, they can also be about happy subjects such as weddings and Christmas.

One of the most popular English Folk songs is “Auld Lang Syne”. This song is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve. It is about remembering old friends and wishing them well in the new year.

Another popular English Folk song is “I Saw Three Ships”. This song is about the three ships that came to Bethlehem bearing gifts for baby Jesus.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is another popular English Folk song. This song is about the twelve days of Christmas and the gifts that are given on each day.

If you are looking for a happy and upbeat English Folk song to sing on New Year’s Eve, then look no further than “Auld Lang Syne”.

The meaning of English Folk Music

Folk music has been a part of English culture for centuries, and it is often seen as a symbol of the country’s heritage. The lyrics and melodies of folk songs often tell stories of the people and places of England, and they are usually passed down from generation to generation. Folk songs are usually simple and easy to sing, and they often have a catchy chorus that everyone can sing along to.

The importance of English Folk Music

Folk music is the traditional music of a culture or region, typically passed down orally. It often has strong roots in the local community, and can be an important part of identity. Folk music can also be used to generate feelings of happiness, as it often has a positive and upbeat sound.

In England, folk music has been enjoyed for centuries. Some of the most popular folk songs are about love, loss, and hope, and they often have catchy tunes that are easy to sing along to. Folk music also often tells stories about real life events, making it a great way to learn about history.

English Folk music is significant because it helped people feel connected to their past and to their community. It is also a source of pride for many English people. In a time when the world is becoming increasingly globalized, it is important to remember the importance of local traditions and cultures.

How to enjoy English Folk Music

English Folk Music is enjoyed by people all over the world and there are many ways to enjoy it. One way is to go to an English Folk Music festival. These are usually held in the summer, but there are also winter festivals. Many festivals have camping facilities, so you can stay for a few days and enjoy the music and the atmosphere.

Another way to enjoy English Folk Music is to go to a pub that has live music. Pubs are a great place to meet people and have a drink while listening to music. Live music venues often have folk nights where you can listen to local musicians play traditional and contemporary songs.

You can also buy CDs or download folk music from the internet. There are many websites that sell folk music, so you can find the type of music that you like. There are also radio stations that play folk music, so you can listen to it in your car or at home.

The future of English Folk Music

The future of English Folk Music looks very promising. More and more people are becoming interested in this genre of music and are beginning to appreciate its unique sound and history. This is evident in the popularity of festivals such as the Cambridge Folk Festival and the growing number of folk clubs and societies around the country.

There is a real sense of community amongst folk musicians and fans, and this is likely to continue to grow in the coming years. This sense of community is one of the things that makes English Folk Music so special and is one of the reasons why it is such an important part of our culture.

So, if you’re looking for something to enjoy this New Year, why not give English Folk Music a try? You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

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