How Folk Music is Impacted by Geography and History

Join us as we explore how folk music is impacted by the geography and history of the places it comes from.

Introduction

Folk music is a type of music that is passed down orally, through listening and performing. It is often based on the traditional music of a culture, and can be seen as a reflection of the history, geography and values of that culture.

Folk music has been shaped by many factors, including the geographical location of a culture, its history and the specific artists who have created it. In some cases, folk music has even been used as a tool to help preserve cultural identity and traditions.

This guide will explore how folk music has been impacted by factors such as geography and history. We will also look at some of the ways in which folk music has changed over time, and how it continues to evolve today.

The geography of folk music

Folk music is a genre of music that is often passed down through generations. It is usually associated with a particular region or country. The music is usually based on the tradition of the people in that area. In some cases, the music may be based on the history of the people as well.

The British Isles

The music of the British Isles has been partly shaped by the musical traditions of the Celtic peoples. The folk music of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland has been particularly influential in the development of American folk music.

Folk music in the British Isles is often divided into two categories: traditional music and contemporary orpopular music. Traditional music is typically passed down from generation to generation and is not subject to change. Contemporary or popular music, on the other hand, is constantly evolving and is often influenced by American popular culture.

The British Isles are home to a wide variety of folk music traditions. In England, for example, there is a strong tradition of Morris dancing. This form of dance is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as accordions, fiddles, and drums.

Another type of English folk dance is step dancing. This form of dance involves intricate footwork and is often performed to live music. Step dancing can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was popularized by country dancers in London.

Scottish folk music also has its roots in dance. The Highland Fling, for example, is a traditional Scottish dance that is often performed at Scottish festivals and events. The Highland Fling is usually accompanied by the sound of bagpipes or fiddles.

Ireland is also home to a rich tradition of folk music. Irish folk songs often tell stories about topics such as love, loss, drinking, and emigration. Many Irish folk songs have been passed down from generation to generation and are now sung all over the world.

Folk music from the British Isles has had a significant impact on American folk music. Many American folk songs, such as “Oh Shenandoah” and “Barbara Allen”, are based on British folk songs. American Folk musicians such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger were heavily influenced by British Folk Music

North America

In North America, folk music is often divided into two broad categories: music that developed in the United States and music that developed in Canada. The United States is home to a wide variety of folk music traditions, including those of indigenous peoples, African Americans, Europeans, Asians, and Latin Americans. American folk music has also been significantly influenced by the country’s history and geography.

One of the most important factors in the development of American folk music was the presence of indigenous peoples. Native American cultures have a rich musical heritage that includes a wide variety of traditional songs and Instrumental pieces. This music has been passed down through generations and was often used for ceremonial or social purposes.

African American folk music is another important tradition in the United States. This music is rooted in the experience of African Americans who were brought to the country as slaves. African American folk music often reflects the hardships experienced by these communities, as well as their hope and resilience. This tradition has given rise to a number of different musical genres, including blues, gospel, and jazz.

European immigrants also brought their own folk traditions to the United States. These traditions were influenced by the countries from which they came, as well as by their experiences in America. Many European immigrants who came to America settled in rural areas, where they continued to sing and play the traditional songs of their homeland. In some cases, these traditions were passed down through families for generations.

Asian Americans have also contributed to the folklore of the United States. Asian American folklore includes a wide variety of traditions that have been brought over from Asia by immigrants and their descendants. This folklore includes traditional stories, songs, and dances that reflect the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries

Australia and New Zealand

Folk music in Australia and New Zealand is often influenced by the music of the British Isles, as many of the early settlers to these countries were from Britain. Even today, there are strong ties between the folk music scenes in Australia, New Zealand and Britain. Many Australian and New Zealand folk musicians have toured Britain and vice versa.

There are also distinctive regional folk traditions in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, there is a strong tradition of Aboriginal music, as well as Celtic and Scottish influences in the southern states, whereas in New Zealand Maori music is an important part of the folk scene.

Australia has a diverse population, and this is reflected in the variety of folk music genres that can be found there. Celtic, Scottish and Irish influences can be heard in the traditional music of the southern states, while Aboriginal music is an important part of the folk scene in northern Australia. In recent years, there has been a growth in interest in world music, and many Australian folk musicians have started to experiment with incorporating elements of other musical traditions into their work.

Europe

Folk music in Europe has been shaped by a variety of factors, including geography, history, and the influence of other cultures. Geographically, Europe is divided into several regions that have their own distinct musical traditions. For example, Celtic music is prevalent in Ireland and Scotland, while Swedish folk music has been influenced by both Nordic and Germanic traditions.

Historically, folk music in Europe has been used as a means of communication and expression, conveying stories and traditions from one generation to the next. In recent years, however, the popularity of folk music has declined in many parts of Europe as other genres such as pop and rock become more popular. Nevertheless, folk music remains an important part of the cultural heritage of many European countries.

Asia

Folk music in Asia is incredibly diverse due to the continent’s large size and long history. Asian folk music has been influenced by other music from around the world, including both Western and Eastern music.

One of the most well-known types of Asian folk music is gamelan, a traditional form of orchestral music from Indonesia. Gamelan is often performed at religious ceremonies and festivals, and features a unique combination of instruments, including gongs, drums, and bamboo flutes.

Turkish folk music is another popular type of Asian folk music. Turkish folk music has been influenced by Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European music. Instruments used in Turkish folk music include the bağlama (a type of lute), the kemenche (a type of fiddle), and the zurna (a type of oboe).

The history of folk music

Folk music is a genre of music that originates from the people and cultures of a region or country. Folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation, and it often has roots in the oral tradition. The music is usually created for everyday purposes, such as work or play. Folk music often reflects the history and culture of the people who create it.

The origins of folk music

Folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted orally, music with unknown composers, or music performed by custom over a long period of time. It has been contrasted with commercial and classical styles. Starting in the mid-20th century, a new form of popular folk music evolved from traditional folk music. This process and period is called the revival and reached a zenith in the 1960s. This form of music is sometimes called contemporary folk music or folk revival music to distinguish it from earlier folk forms.

Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted orally, music with unknown composers, or as that which has existed since time immemorial. It has been contrasted with commercial and classical styles. The term originated in the early 19th century but is often applied to justify a wide variety of later musical traditions. One meaning often given is that of “old songs, with no known composers”, another is that of “music that has existed since time immemorial”, including pieces originating in oral traditions . The fashioning and re-fashioning of the material through prolonged””  iterations by various performers can give rise to subsidiary meanings within the original text.”” For example, Bill Darlingshire has defined folklore as “”what we used to sing around the campfire before there were any recorded tunes””. See also explanation at Folklore (disambiguation)

In 1876 James Fraser published his book The Golden Bough which studied similar beliefs across cultures making an argument for considering them universal archetypes. In 2011 Christopher Richey made a detailed study of later texts claiming repeated worldwide patterns such as seasonal change bring about death and rebirth rituals; Richey argues these can be found in material from Africa to Asia . He argues that “”many patterns once identified as unique to Western culture have subsequently turned up around the world””.

The development of folk music

Folk music is a broad category of music that encompasses many different styles and genres. It can be broadly defined as music that is passed down orally, or “folk songs,” but it also includes traditional instrumental music, work songs, dance tunes, children’s songs, and ballads. Folk music is traditionally associated with the countryside and rural life, but it has also been influenced by urban and industrialization.

Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it is constantly evolving. New folk songs are being created all the time, and existing songs are often adapted to fit the needs of the people who sing them. For example, a folk song about a specific event in history may be adapted to include new details about that event as more information becomes available.

Geography also plays a role in the development of folk music. Different regions of the world have their own distinct styles of folk music, which are often influenced by the local climate, geography, and culture. For example, folksongs from the British Isles tend to be very different from those originating in Spain or Africa.

The history of folk music is long and complex, but it is an important part of the musical heritage of many cultures around the world.

The influence of folk music on other genres

Folk music has had a significant influence on other genres of music, particularly country music, jazz, and rock and roll. Folk songs were often adapted for use in these genres; in some cases, songs became so closely associated with a particular genre that they became known as “standards.” For example, the song “Shenandoah” was originally a folk song that was adapted for use in country music and jazz. Similarly, the song “I’ll Fly Away” was adapted for use in country music, rock and roll, and gospel.

Folk music has also been used as the basis for more modern genres of music, such as punk rock and hip hop. In punk rock, musicians often used folk songs as the basis for their own songs, adding their own lyrics and musical embellishments. In hip hop, samples of folk songs are often used as the basis for tracks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, folk music is deeply impacted by both the geography and history of the cultures it comes from. The specific geographical locations where folk music originates can play a big role in shaping the sound and feel of the music, while the history surrounding a particular folk song can add meaning and depth. This is why it is important to consider both when studying and enjoying folk music from around the world.