What is Folk Music? 10 Examples of Folk Music
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Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is often about the common people and their everyday lives. Here are 10 examples of folk music from around the world.
What is Folk Music?
Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation orally. It is typically associated with the daily lives of common people, as opposed to the upper classes. Folk music often has a rural or rustic feel to it, and is often (but not always) sung in the native language of its performers.
Folk music has its roots in the oral traditions of cultures around the world, and can be found in every corner of the globe. In general, folk music is:
– Passed down orally from generation to generation
– Rooted in the daily lives of common people
– Associated with rural or rustic culture
– Sung in the native language of its performers
Here are 10 examples of folk music from different cultures around the world:
1. British Isles Folk Music – This type of folk music comes from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle, accordion and penny whistle. British Isles folk music has been influenced by both Celtic and Saxon musical traditions.
2. Appalachian Folk Music – This type of folk music originated in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States. It is characterized by its use of banjo, fiddle and acoustic guitar. Appalachian folk music has been influenced by English, Scottish and Irish musical traditions.
3. Iranian Folk Music – This type of folk music originates from Iran (formerly Persia). It is characterized by its use of traditional Persian instruments like the santur and setar, as well as vocals in Persian. Iranian folk music has also been influenced by Arab, Turkic and Central Asian musical traditions.
4.’ Egypt’an Folk Music – This type ‘of ‘folk ‘music originates’ in Egypt.’ It ‘is characterized ‘by ‘its use ‘of traditional Egyptian instruments like’ denbuka ‘and mizmar,’ as well as vocals in Arabic.’ Egyptian folk music has also been influenced by Coptic Christian and Islamic musical traditions.’
5.’ Chinese Folk Music – This type ‘of ‘folk’ music originates’ in China.’ It is characterized by its use of traditional Chinese instruments like’ erhu ‘and pipa,’ as well as vocals in Mandarin Chinese.’ Chinese folk music has also been influenced by Han Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian musical traditions.’
6.’ Spanish Folk Music – This type ‘of’ folk’music originates’in Spain .”It is characterized”by”its”use”of rhythmical guitar playing,”as well as vocals”in Spanish .”Spanish ”folk ”music ”has ”also ”been ”influenced ”by Moorish , Jewish , Gypsy and North African musical traditions .
7 . Mexican Folk Music – This type of folk music originates from Mexico . It is characterized by its use of traditional Mexican instruments like mariachi bands , as well as vocals in Spanish . Mexican folk music has also been influenced by Aztec , Maya , Olmec , Zapotec , teoctli , European and Caribbean musical traditions .
8 . Ethiopian Folk Music – This type ‘of’folk’music originates’from Ethiopia .’It is characterized by its use of traditional Ethiopian instruments like washint , krar and masenko , as well as vocals in Amharic . Ethiopian folk music has also been influenced by Semitic , Cushitic , Nilotic and Indic musical traditions .
9 . Malian Folk Music – This type o! f o l k m u s i c o r i g i n a t e s f r o m M a l i . I t i s c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y i t s u s e o f t r a d i t i o n a l M a l i a n
10 Examples of Folk Music
Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. Folk music is typically about the everyday lives of the people and is often about love, loss, and heartbreak. Folk music often uses simple instruments such as guitars and harmonicas.
American Folk Music
Folk music is music passed down through generations by people who typically share a common culture or geography. Folk music is often associated with artists who play acoustic instruments like guitars and banjos and sing about topics like love, loss, and social justice.
American folk music has its roots in the music of the British Isles, but it has been shaped by the unique experiences of American life. Folk music was used as a form of protest during the civil rights movement, and it continues to be a powerful force for social change today.
Here are 10 examples of American folk music:
1. “We Shall Overcome” – The Staple Singers
2. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” – Pete Seeger
3. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” – Bob Dylan
4. “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Peter, Paul & Mary
5. “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)” – Trini Lopez
6. “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” – The Byrds
7. “This Land Is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie
8. “Carpenters Union” – Phil Ochs
9. “City of New Orleans” – Arlo Guthrie
10. “Which Side Are You On?” – Natalie Merchant
British Folk Music
British Folk Music has been around since the medieval times, and it is still a very popular genre today. There are many different types of British Folk Music, ranging from traditional ballads to more modern songs. Here are ten examples of British Folk Music:
1. “The Unquiet Grave” – This is a traditional ballad that tells the story of a man who is haunted by the ghost of his dead wife.
2. “The Wife of Usher’s Well” – Another traditional ballad, this one tells the story of a woman who is grieving the loss of her husband.
3. “She Moved Through the Fair” – A beautiful ballad about young love, this song has been covered by many artists over the years.
4. “The Leaving of Liverpool” – A bittersweet song about emigration, this tune is often used as a farewell song.
5. “Danny Boy” – One of the most famous Irish folk songs, this ballad is about a young man who is separated from his love due to war.
6. “Lord Randall” – A dark ballad about a man who is poisoned by his wife, this song has been covered by numerous artists including Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead.
7. “Black Jack Davy” – A lively song about a highwayman, this tune has been popularised by artists such as Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention.
8. “The Crooked Man” – A creepy folk song about a murderer, this tune will send shivers down your spine!
9. “Five Hundred Miles” – A heartwarming song about home and family, this tune has been covered by many artists including Peter, Paul and Mary and Simon & Garfunkel.
10. “Wild Mountain Thyme” – A beautiful Scottish ballad, this tune has been covered by many artists including Eva Cassidy and James Taylor
Celtic Folk Music
Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed out of the traditional music of the Celtic people of Western Europe. It is a type of traditional music that is characterized by its use of Celtic instruments and its distinctive melodic and harmony style.
Some of the most popular Celtic folk bands include The Chieftains, The Dubliners, and Planxty. Celtic folk music has also been adopted by many other genres of music, including rock and roll, punk rock, and even heavy metal.
Celtic folk music is often very upbeat and lively, making it a popular choice for dancing. Some of the most popular Celtic dances include Irish stepdance, Scottish Highland dance, and Welsh clog dancing.
Scandinavian folk music includes a number of traditions in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Åland Islands and Finnish Lapland. Folk music has been preserved and transmitted orally, through print and later through recordings. The nature of Scandinavian folk music has fluctuated greatly over time, although certain elements have remained consistent throughout the region’s history.
One of the most important factors in shaping Scandinavian folk music is the wide variety of languages spoken in the region. Because of its geographic position, Scandinavia has been exposed to a number of other cultures with which it has had significant contact. This is particularly evident in the influence of Central European dances on Scandinavian folk music. Another important factor is the climate; Nordic and Arctic climates are not conducive to agriculture, which means that many traditional Scandinavian songs deal with themes of hunting and fishing.
Scandinavian folk music has also been significantly influenced by Church music and hymns. In many cases, folk tunes were simply adapted to fit religious texts; in others, religious melodies were adapted for use in folk songs. This process can be seen in the way that some traditional Scandinavian dances have evolved into religious rituals such as confirmation ceremonies or Easter egg hunts.
There are a number of common themes and motifs in Scandinavian folk music. One of the most common is the kulning, a type of high-pitched solo vocalization used by herders to communicate over long distances. Other recurring themes include nature scenes (particularly those involving the sea or mountains), love ballads, historical events andPodcast episodes dealing with various aspects aspects of Swedish culture including: customs & traditions; language & identity; pop culture & entertainment; and much more!
Eastern European Folk Music
Eastern European Folk Music includes the folk music of Poland, Russia, Romania, and other eastern European countries. This type of folk music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the accordion, and its focus on topics such as nature, love, and death.
Some common Eastern European Folk Songs include:
“Oy Las Tortas” – a Russian folk song about a woman who is lamenting her lot in life
“Bartolomeo” – a Polish folk song about a boy who dreams of becoming a famous musician
“Einsamkeit” – a Romanian folk song about loneliness and longing
“Tylko Mnie Poproszcie” – a Ukrainian folk song about a young girl’s love for her family
Latin American Folk Music
Latin American folk music has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Indigenous, European, and African. Theresult is a diverse array of styles that can be found throughout the region. Here are ten examples of Latin American folk music:
1. bolero: a slow, sentimental style of folk music from Cuba
2. chícharo: a type of Cuban folk music that includes elements of Spanish and African music
3. fandango: an upbeat style of Mexican folk music that is often accompanied by dance
4. huapango: a Mexican folk music style that originated in the state of Veracruz
5. jarana: a fast-paced style of Mexican folk music from the Yucatán Peninsula
6. mariachi: a traditional style of Mexican folk music that is often performed by a band
7. ranchera: a type of Mexicanfolk music that originated in the rural areas of the country
8. samba: a Brazilian musical style that combines African and European influences
9. son jarocho: a type of Mexican folk music from the state of Veracruz that includes elements of Spanish and African music
10. zamba: an Argentine musical style that is often accompanied by dance
Australian Folk Music
Folk music is a genre of music that is passed down orally through generations. It is usually based on traditional songs and dances, and often has a ingredients from the local culture, such as instrumentation or clothing. Folk music can be found all over the world, and each region has its own unique style. Here are 10 examples of folk music from different parts of the world.
1. Australian Folk Music – Traditional Australian folk music is based on the sounds of the nation’s Indigenous people, as well as the British and Irish immigrants who came to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. didgeridoo, fiddle, and accordion are often used in Australian folk songs.
2. Canadian Folk Music – Canada’s folk music scene includes a wide variety of traditions and influences from around the world. Canadian folk songs often reflect the country’s diverse landscape, with themes about nature, love, and loss.
3. Chinese Folk Music – Chinese folk music dates back thousands of years and includes a wide variety of regional styles. Traditionally, Chinese folk songs were used to tell stories or express emotions, and they often featured instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) or dizi (a flute).
4. Cuban Folk Music – Cuban folk music is a mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The Cuban tres is a key instrument in Cuban folk songs, which are often about love or nature.
5. Danish Folk Music – Danish folk music has its roots in the country’s medieval ballads but also includes influences from Scandinavia, Germany, France, and England. Traditional Danish instruments include the nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle), mandolin, accordion, and flute.
6. Egyptian Folk Music – Egyptian folk music includes a wide variety of regional styles that reflect the country’s rich history and culture. Instruments used in Egyptian folk songs include the oud (a lute-like instrument), ney (a flute), tabla (drums), and qanun (a type of zither).
7 Indian Folk Music – India is home to thousands of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique tradition of folk music. Indian folk songs often tell stories about religion or love, and they frequently feature sitar (a type of stringed instrument) or tabla (drums).
8 Irish Folk Music – Irish folk music is one of the most well-known types of Celtic music around the world. It features Instruments like the tin whistle, bodhran (hand drum), fiddle, concertina, and accordion are commonly used in Irishfolk songs , which often tell stories about history or culture .
9 Israeli Folk Music – Israeli folk music blends Eastern European Jewish traditions with Arabic influences from Israel’s Middle Eastern neighbors . Turkish clarinet , Arabic percussion ,and Greek bouzouki are often used in contemporary Israeli folk songs , which sometimes deal with political themes .
10 Jamaican Folk Music – Jamaicanfolk music is heavily influenced by mento , a styleof Trinidadian calypso that was brought to Jamaica inthe early 20th century . Reggae , ska ,and rocksteadyare all genres thathave grown outof Jamaicanfolk music .
New Zealand Folk Music
New Zealand is a country with a rich and unique culture, and its music is an important part of that. While the country is best known for its pop and rock music, there is also a thriving folk scene. Here are 10 examples of New Zealand folk music that you should check out.
1. ‘Poi E’ by the Patea Maori Club
2. ‘Whispering reeds’ by Fred Dagg
3. ‘Reel around the sun’ by the Wanderers
4. ‘Southern man’ by Don Mclean
5. ‘The Foggy Dew’ by Sinead O’Connor
6. ‘The Leaving of Liverpool’ by the Dubliners
7. ‘The Rose Of Tralee’ by Dana Rosemary Scallon
8. ‘Nancy Whiskey’ by Planxty Drury
9. ‘The Wild Rover’ by the Pogues 10. ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma’ by the Belfast Gypsies
Canadian Folk Music
Canadian Folk Music covers a wide range of genres, including traditional folk music, Celtic music, Anglo-American folk music, Francophone folk music, Aboriginal folk music, and Maritime music. There is a strong tradition of Folk Music in Canada, especially in the Maritimes and Québec.
Some well-known Canadian Folk Musicians include Stan Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young.
African Folk Music
African folk music is a genre of music that is traditional to the cultures of Africa. It is often passed down from generation to generation, and can be found in a variety of forms, including songs, dances, and instrumental pieces.
Some examples of African folk music include:
1. The Ghanian Highlife: This genre originated in Ghana in the 1920s, and combines elements of traditional African music with Western influences.
2. The Zimbabwean Mbira: The mbira is a type of musical instrument that is native to Zimbabwe. It is made up of a wooden board with metal keys attached, and is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs.
3. Nigerian Juju: Juju is a type of music that originated in Nigeria in the early 20th century. It is a fusion of traditional Nigerian music with elements of Western pop and rock.
4. South African Township Jive: Township jive is a type of dance music that originated in the townships of South Africa during the apartheid era. It combines elements of traditional African music with Western dance styles such as swing and Latin America salsa.
5. Egyptian Taarab: Taarab is a type of Arabic music that originated in Egypt in the 19th century. It combines elements of Egyptian folk music with Arabic classical music, and is often accompanied by dance.
6. Algerian Rai: Rai is a type of Algerian folk music that dates back to the 1920s. It combines elements of Algerian folk music with French pop, and often has themes of social protest or political resistance.
7. Ethiopian Fasil Music: Fasil Music is a genre of Ethiopian folk music that dates back to the 16th century. It was traditionally played at royal courts, and often includes instruments such as the krar (a type of lyre) and masenko (a type of trumpet).
8 . Ugandan Akadembe: Akadembe originates from Uganda and typically features drums, guitars, and horns playing interlocking rhythms over a bed of chanting vocals. The style developed in urban areas during the 1970s as people from Uganda’s various ethnic groups began mixing together.
9 . Tanzanian Zilipendwa: Zilipendwa means “leftovers” in Swahili, and refers to the practiceof mixing together various leftover tracks from different recordings to create new songs. This style became popular in Tanzania during the 1960s as people began borrowing recordings from each other on cassette tapes.. Moroccan Gnawa Music: Gnawa Music originates from Morocco and typically features heavy percussion instruments along with singing and dancing
