folk song
Quick Summary
A folk song is a traditional song, often from a rural origin, passed down through generations primarily via oral tradition rather than written notation. These songs are typically characterized by simple melodies, stanzaic form, and a refrain.12
The creation of folk songs is often anonymous, with individual compositions being adopted and adapted by a community. As a song is passed from person to person, it can change in length, style, and melody due to creativity, memory, and the influence of other musical forms. This communal re-creation and acceptance by a community are key characteristics.34
Folk songs serve various functions, including expressing common emotions, accompanying work or rituals, and even for magical purposes. They are a significant part of cultural identity and have influenced art music throughout history, particularly during nationalist movements.567
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In Western music, folk song is customarily distinguished from art song. Folk songs are usually sung unaccompanied or with accompaniment provided by a single instrument—e.g., a guitar or a dulcimer. They are usually learned by ear and are infrequently written down; hence, they are susceptible to changes of…
Read MoreIn Western music, folk song is customarily distinguished from art song. Folk songs are usually sung unaccompanied or with accompaniment provided by a single instrument—e.g., a guitar or a dulcimer. They are usually learned by ear and are infrequently written down; hence, they are susceptible to changes of…
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folk musicCreation and adaptationWhere a folk song originated is rarely known to its community, and thus the anonymity of the creative process was once considered a major criterion of folk music identification. It has become clear, however, that folk songs and other pieces are the result of individual creation, either…
Read MoreWhere a folk song originated is rarely known to its community, and thus the anonymity of the creative process was once considered a major criterion of folk music identification. It has become clear, however, that folk songs and other pieces are the result of individual creation, either…
Read More
BalkansCreating national identities…identity had been folklore and folk song. It was these, and especially the epic narrative poetry of Serbia, that had kept alive the memory of Dušan, Skanderbeg, and others. Some told of the exploits of the armed bandits who appeared in most Balkan lands—the klephts, haiduks, and armataloi; these were…
Read More…identity had been folklore and folk song. It was these, and especially the epic narrative poetry of Serbia, that had kept alive the memory of Dušan, Skanderbeg, and others. Some told of the exploits of the armed bandits who appeared in most Balkan lands—the klephts, haiduks, and armataloi; these were…
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JapanTraditional formsFolk songs, for example, are generally no longer commonly sung except in some remote areas in northern and southwestern Japan. Folk music and dance are related to local life and are often significantly concerned with the local religion (whether animistic, Shintō, or Buddhist), agriculture, or…
Read MoreFolk songs, for example, are generally no longer commonly sung except in some remote areas in northern and southwestern Japan. Folk music and dance are related to local life and are often significantly concerned with the local religion (whether animistic, Shintō, or Buddhist), agriculture, or…
Read More