Folk song: music of anonymous composition, transmitted orally. A germ of a folk melody is produced by an individual and altered in transmission. National and ethnic individuality can be seen in folk music, even in the case of songs transplanted from one country to another.
There is scarcely any people whose folk song is wholly indigenous, and among notable cases of transplanting is the English ballad found in various parts of the United States. Conversely, folk song often shows the influence of formally composed music and popular song.
Interest in folk music grew during the latter part of the 19th century, although there were earlier scholars in the field. In the 20th century, during the years leading up to the First World War, over 1200 songs were collected in Hampshire. Later collectors have added to this treasury of song.
Collection and transcription of folk music was greatly facilitated by the invention of the phonograph and tape recorder. Using this equipment, collectors gathered folk songs from various cultural traditions throughout much of the 20th century.
Since the early 1950s folk music has become an especially significant influence and source for much popular vocal and instrumental music. Folk songs are still sung and songs are being composed and absorbed into the folk tradition.
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There has been a lot of research into the folk songs sung in Hampshire and those who collected them. Alongside this personal overview of Hampshire's Legacy of Folk Song, these pages draw together some of the sources and resources that have appeared on the web over the years.
Paul Marsh
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