music midterm

Distinction Between Ballad and Folk Song

Ballad

• A ballad is a type of song that narrates a story.

• Structure: Includes a beginning, middle, and end.

• Often conveys a moral message or lesson through its narrative.

• Examples of ballads might include stories about love, tragedy, or historical events.

• Typically features verses and choruses where the verses tell the story and the chorus may reflect on the themes of the ballad.

Folk Song

• A folk song can be similar to a ballad but does not necessarily tell a complete story.

• Structure: Lacks a definitive beginning, middle, and end; may consist of repetitive phrases or verses without a coherent storyline.

• Often reflects the culture and traditions of a specific community or group.

• Examples include traditional work songs, dance tunes, or songs about everyday life, such as "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor".

• Emphasis is on collective singing and participation rather than a sole narrative focus.

Additional Musical Concepts

Broadsides

• Broadsides refer to a form of narrative singing often seen in ballads, where a solo singer performs verses interspersed with a chorus sung by a group.

Instrument Types

• Nickel Harp: A keyed string instrument from Scandinavia that can be played similarly to a piano.

• Fiddle: A string instrument played with a bow, used in many folk traditions.

Dance Tunes

• Instrumental dance music often consists of structured formats such as the waltz and polska:

  • Waltz: Dance in 3/4 time, emphasizing the first beat.

  • Polska: Traditionally has an accent on the first and third beats.

Time Signatures in Folk Music

• Music can be categorized based on its time signature, such as:

  • 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 time (common in various dance music styles).

  • The hornpipe is often in 4/4 but may feature 'swung' rhythms.

Cultural Context of Music

• Irish Songs of Rebellion: Often rebelled against the English, conveying feelings of nationalism and cultural identity.

• Use of altered modes, such as the Phrygian mode, can be seen in flamenco music; particularly in relation to its emotional expression.

Jembe and Improvisation in Music

• Jembe: A type of drum used in West African musical traditions, with rhythms often improvised rather than played from sheet music.

• Emphasizes the importance of improvisation and a personal expression of music.

Other Important Terms and Concepts

• Tonal Language: A language that uses pitch to distinguish meaning.

• Hereditary Musicians: The Jebi, known for their lineage back to the Mali empire, perform significant ceremonial music in Mali and Ghana.

• Improvisation: A key component in many forms of traditional and folk music, emphasizing personal creativity and expression over adherence to notation.