Traditional Folk Music of the UK

Traditional Folk Music of the UK – a blog dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of traditional folk music from the British Isles.

What is traditional folk music?

Traditional folk music is the music of the people that has been handed down orally, through print, or by ear. It is music that has been created for, and performed by, the common people. The term “folk music” was first used in the 18th century by English writer and poet Edward Thompson and refers to a type of music that was “received” rather than composed.

Folk music has always been an important part of the British Isles and has been used as a means of social commentary and as a vehicle for celebrating cultural heritage. It is often associated with rural life and is sometimes referred to as “old-time” or “country” music. Folk music can be sung solo or in groups, with or without accompaniment.

There are many different genres of folk music, including border ballads, sea shanties, Morris dancing tunes, and Celtic music. The singer/songwriter Vern Gosdin once said that “folk songs are feeling songs… songs we sing from the heart about people and places we love.”

The history of traditional folk music in the UK

Traditional folk music in the United Kingdom has its roots in the music of the people who have been living in the British Isles for centuries. It is a genre of music that is closely related to the music of other European countries, but it has its own distinct sound. The history of traditional folk music in the UK is a long and diverse one.

Early history

Traditional folk music of the United Kingdom has its roots in the music of the Anglo-Saxons, which was brought to Britain by early Germanic settlers. The first Anglo-Saxon king, King Alfred the Great (849-899), is often credited with having a major impact on shaping English folk music. Under Alfred’s rule, Anglo-Saxon minstrels and bards were employed by the court to entertain guests and promote the king’s propaganda. This tradition continued throughout the medieval period, and by the time of the Tudor dynasty (1485-1603), folk music had become an integral part of English society.

During the early modern period (1600-1750), folk music began to decline in popularity as new genres such as opera and instrumental music gained favor with the upper classes. However, folk music continued to be popular among rural communities and those who could not afford to buy expensive musical instruments or attend live performances. The late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries saw a renewed interest in traditional folk music, which was partially fueled by the growing Romantic movement. This period also saw the rise of several important collectors and performers of folk music, such as Francis James Child, Percy Grainger, and Cecil Sharp.

The twentieth century brought further changes to traditional folk music in the United Kingdom. The two World Wars had a devastating effect on British society, which led to a decline in interest in many traditional forms of entertainment, includingfolk music. In addition, the rise of mass media and popular culture made it easier for people to access other forms of entertainment, such as television and radio. However, there was also a growing appreciation for traditional folk music during this period, particularly among intellectuals and artists who were interested in exploring Britain’s “national identity.” This renewed interest led to a resurgence of traditional folk music in the latter half of the twentieth century.

The influence of the British Isles

The traditional folk music of the British Isles has been influenced by many factors including the music of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The earliest folk music was that of the Celtic people, who inhabited the British Isles prior to the Roman invasion in 43 AD. Celtic music was passed down through the generations by oral tradition and was later influenced by the music of other cultures such as Scandinavia, Germany and France. By the late medieval period, this music had developed into the distinct genres of balladry and Carolingian minstrelsy.

During the Renaissance, instruments such as the lute and violin began to be used in folk music. This led to a change in the sound of traditional folk music and also to its popularity; as more people were able to afford instruments, they were able to play and enjoy this type of music. By the 18th century, folk music was thriving in England, Scotland and Ireland; it was only in Wales that it began to decline.

The Industrial Revolution had a negative impact on traditional folk music; as people left rural areas to work in cities, they lost touch with their musical heritage. This disappearance of traditional folk music continued throughout the 20th century; however, there has been a recent revival of interest in this genre, with new bands taking inspiration from older styles.

The influence of the Romani people

The Romani people, also known as gypsies, have had a significant influence on traditional folk music in the UK. The Romani people are a nomadic ethnic group that originated in India and arrived in the UK in the 16th century. They were persecuted for centuries and often seen as outcasts. However, they were also known for their musical ability and their love of music.

The Romani people brought with them a rich musical tradition, which they passed on to future generations. Many of the most popular traditional folk songs in the UK have been influenced by the Romani people. For example, the song “I’ll Tell Me Ma” is thought to be based on a traditional Romani melody.

The Romani people have also been responsible for introducing new musical instruments to the UK, such as the violin and mandolin. They have also helped to popularize existing instruments, such as the clarinet and flute.

The influence of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries had a profound effect on the music of the United Kingdom. As industry expanded and cities grew, so the opportunity for musicians to earn a living declined. This led to a decline in the number of professional musicians, and an increase in the number of amateurs.

The Industrial Revolution also led to a change in the way that music was made. Before the Industrial Revolution, most music was made by people in their homes, or in public places such as inns and taverns. With the rise of industry, music became increasingly produced in factories. This led to a decline in the quality of music, as it was now being mass-produced rather than being made by individual craftspeople.

Despite these changes, traditional folk music continued to be popular among ordinary people in the UK. The industrialization of the country did not stop people from dancing, singing, and playing music in their spare time. In fact, many traditional folk songs were written about industrial themes, such as work songs and songs about factories.

The twentieth century

As the twentieth century dawned, the folk music of the British Isles was in a sad state. The old songs and tunes were being gradually forgotten as the rural populations changed and new forms of popular entertainment arose. In many parts of the country, Morris dancing and other traditional customs had already died out. It was not until the early years of the century that a few collectors, such as Cecil Sharp in England and Percy Grainger in Ireland, began to make an effort to preserve what was left of the tradition.

These men (and a few women) were not always welcomed by those they sought to record. In some cases, they were regarded with suspicion or even hostility. Nevertheless, they persevered and gradually built up a valuable store of material. In the process, they also helped to create a new appreciation of traditional music.

During the First World War, many young men from rural areas were drafted into the army and exposed to a variety of musical styles from other parts of the world. When they returned home, they brought back with them a new desire to hear and learn more about their own musical heritage.

In the 1920s and 1930s, there was a growing interest in folk music among educated middle-class people. This was partly due to the work of Sharp and Grainger, but it was also due to cultural developments such as the rise of radio and cinema. These new media made it possible for people to hear music from all over the world without leaving their homes.

The twentieth century also saw the rise of nationalism in many parts of Europe. This led to a renewed interest in folk music as a way of expressing national identity. In countries such as Ireland and Wales, traditional music played an important role in the struggle for independence.

The Second World War put a temporary stop to this trend, but after 1945 there was once again an upsurge in interest in folk music. This time it was fuelled by political protest against racism, poverty and war. The skiffle craze of the late 1950s was part of this movement, as was the work of protest singers such as Ewan MacColl and Pete Seeger.

The different types of traditional folk music in the UK

Traditional folk music in the UK is a genre of music that is often passed down from generation to generation. It is usually based on the music of the country’s rural working class. Folk music has a wide variety of subgenres, each with their own unique style and sound.

ballads

A ballad is a type of traditional folk song that originally was meant to be sung, or recited, by itinerant performers (such as minstrels and troubadours) in marketplaces and taverns. Ballads were often reused or adapted by other performers, and each new version of a ballad might become popular in its own right.

The word “ballad” comes from the Latin ballare, which means “to dance.” Ballads were originally transmitted orally from one singer to another, and they were meant to be heard as much as they were meant to be seen. The melodies of ballads were usually simple and easy to remember, so that singers could easily perform them without having to read music.

Many ballads tell stories, and the term “ballad” is often used interchangeably with “narrative poem.” However, not all narrative poems are ballads, and not all ballads are narrative poems. A key characteristic of a ballad is that it is meant to be sung; many narrative poems are not.

Ballads typically use a simple meter (a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables), and they often have a repeating refrain (a phrase or group of lines that is repeated at regular intervals). The best-known examples of traditional ballads in the English language include “Barbara Allen,” “Lord Randall,” and “The Wife of Usher’s Well.”

carols

Carols are songs that are traditionally sung during the Christmas season. Many carols are religious in nature, and they often tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Some carols are also secular, and they may simply be festive songs that celebrate the holiday season. Either way, carols are an important part of traditional folk music in the United Kingdom.

There are many different types of traditional folk music in the United Kingdom. Carols are just one example. Other popular forms of traditional folk music include ballads, Morris dancing, and sea shanties. Each type of folk music has its own history and tradition.

dances

There are four main types of traditional folk dances in the United Kingdom: Morris dancing, step dancing, sword dancing, and clog dancing.

Morris dancing is a type of English traditional dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by groups of dancers wearing bell pads on their shins.

Step dancing is a type of percussive dance in which the dancers’ feet strike the floor in time with the music. The most common form of step dancing in the UK is Irish step dancing, which was popularized by Riverdance.

Sword dancing is a type of traditional dance from England and Scotland in which dancers pass swords between themselves to create patterns while they dance. It was once common for young men to perform sword dances as a way to prove their strength and fitness for battle.

Clog dancing is a type of folk dance in which the dancers wear wooden clogs on their feet. Clog dancing originated in the north of England as a way for mill workers to keep warm during their lunch breaks.

love songs

Love songs are a type of traditional folk music that is typically sung by a male and female duo. The lyrics often tell the story of a young man and woman who are in love, but cannot be together due to circumstances beyond their control. One of the most famous examples of a love song is “Barbara Allen”, which has been recorded by many artists over the years.

sea shanties

Sea shanties are a type of traditional folk music that was sung by sailors while working on ships. The music was used to help the sailors keep time while working, and the songs often told stories or had other maritime themes.sea shanties were particularly popular in the 19th century, and some of the best-known songs in this genre include “ roll the old chariot along” and “ what shall we do with the drunken sailor”.

The instruments used in traditional folk music

Traditional folk music of the United Kingdom is often accompanied by a variety of instruments. The most common instrument used is the acoustic guitar, but other instruments may include the bass guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, drums, and accordion.

fiddles

Fiddles are the most commonly used instrument in traditional folk music. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are usually made from wood, with four strings. The strings are tuned in fifths, and the fiddle is played with a bow.

Fiddles can be used for a variety of different musical styles, from slow and lyrical airs to fast-paced jigs and reels. They are often accompanied by other instruments such as guitars, accordions, or bodhrans (a type of drum).

guitars

Guitars are often used in traditional folk music, and there are a few different types that are commonly used. The most common type of guitar is the acoustic guitar, which is a wooden instrument with strings that are plucked or strummed. Other types of guitars that are sometimes used in folk music include electric guitars, bass guitars, and banjos.

mandolins

The mandolin is a small, stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body, typically played with a plectrum. It evolved from the lute family in the 17th century and is used in a wide variety of music genres, including folk, bluegrass, and classical.

accordions

Accordions are commonly used in traditional folk music throughout Europe, North America and South America. The most common type of accordion is the piano accordion, which has a keyboard on one side and an air pump on the other. Other types of accordions include the button accordion and the diatonic accordion.

The performers of traditional folk music

Traditional folk music in the United Kingdom has been passed down through the generations by professional performers. These performers were often part of a community, and they would teach others how to play the music. This led to the music being passed down through families and villages.

folk singers

Folk singers are people who perform traditional folk music. This music is based on the traditions of a particular culture or region. Folk singers often play instruments, such as guitars and drums, and sing songs that tell stories about the people and places where they come from.

Some folk singers become famous for their recordings of traditional songs, while others perform at folk festivals and clubs. Folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages, and it can be a powerful way to connect with one’s heritage.

folk musicians

Folk musicians are usually acoustic musicians who play a wide variety of traditional music from their home countries. They often use a variety of instruments, including the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. Folk musicians typically sing in their native language and often tell stories or perform traditional dances as part of their performances.

Folk music has been around for centuries and is an important part of many cultures around the world. In the United Kingdom, there is a rich tradition of folk music that has been passed down through the generations. Today, there are many talented folk musicians who perform this traditional music for audiences both in the UK and abroad.

folk dancers

Folk dancers often perform in groups, holding hands or waving handkerchiefs. The steps and patterns of the dances are usually passed down from generation to generation, and they vary from region to region. Folk dancing is often done at festivals, fairs, and other special occasions.

In the United Kingdom, ancient folk dances such as Morris dancing andSword dancing are still performed today. Morris dancing is a form of English folk dance that dates back to the 16th century. It is usually performed by men wearing white shirts, breeches, and socks, along with black hats and waistcoats. They dance in a group, often accompanied by music played on a accordion or fiddle.

Sword dancing is another form of English folk dance that dates back to the medieval era. It was originally done by soldiers to prepare for battle, but over time it became a popular form of entertainment. Today, sword dancers usually perform in teams of four or five people. They use real swords or wooden replicas, and they dance around a figure of eight pattern while crossing and uncrossing their swords.