Anatomy Of Folk Music
Folk Music, Folk Song and Folk Dance are comparatively recent expressions
, being extensions of the term Folk lore, coined in 1846 by the English antiquarian William Thoms to describe "the traditions, customs, and superstitions of the 'uncultured' classes." The Anatomy of Folk music begins here.
Folk music is found in many of the world's societies, and it exists in different guises and under a variety of social and cultural conditions. It is said to be the music of largely rural, untutored masses in societies where an educated, economic, political, as well as musical elite also exists, the music of the latter, by contrast, is called "classical" or "art" music.
Folk music lyrics are sung, spoken or rapped and communicated orally and passed down from one generation to the next in oral tradition. Music lyrics are made up of meaningful words and phrases that reflect current events of the culture.
This genre is normally affected by the art music of nearby cultural centers (for example, cities, courts, monasteries), and it frequently functions as a kind of cultural backwater that retains characteristics of older art music for long periods.
It is played or sung by ordinary people (not professional musicians). Folk music as an oral tradition, is much less important than it used to be, in part, because of new technology (radio, television etc, and recordings of music).
Folk music also includes simple children's songs and lullabies. It was sung by people as they worked and folk music lyrics represent traditional song of the common people of any given region. Music instruments are often played solo or to accompany singing.
It often expresses the character of ethnic and social groups and sometimes a nation. It is usually learned by listening rather than by reading the notes or words. This is the well from which all other modern music is drawn.
The multi-ethnic background of the USA has conserved a wealth of material derived from musical traditions from around the world, and regional variations and mixtures of these form a rich heritage of styles.
Folk music is also used for educational purposes. Folk music education weaves through the standard history, language and music curriculums (even incorporating math and science), tapping into those more useful qualities of discovery, patience, expression and character.
Folk music as it is believed to have existed in earlier times may be discussed separately from periods of revival such as that of 19th-century European nationalism and the 20th-century revivals, shortly before and after World War II, that were motivated by political agendas.
Folk music is typified by a simple, direct song writing style that can veer off towards pop, rock country or world music. The genre is the universal language, so you can enjoy all of these offerings, whether you're listening to traditional Indian desi or "Bridge Over Troubled Water. Folk music is not necessarily more functional than other kinds of music; it is as much a form of entertainment as it is a functional art form.
by: Jackie Spivey
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