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"A tune is more lasting than the song of the birds...A word is more lasting than the riches of the world" Irish Proverb
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TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Traditional music has been part of my life since I can remember, My dad loved folk music and had an extensive collection of recordings, and I began singing and playing the guitar when I was fourteen (more years ago than I care to count!). The old songs and ballads have always been a source of enjoyment for me. I enjoy sharing the music, and this was really what led to singing professionally over the years, and also to the founding of Richmond Folk Music in 2005. There are a lot of definitions and nuances as to what constitutes "folk music" but it is generally accepted that traditional folk music is made up of tunes or songs that have no known author, and have been passed on informally through several generations. I suppose there is some gray area there too - what about O'Carolan, Robert Burns...Stephen Foster??? I'll leave those arguments to folks who want to debate the issue ! There is something about a traditional song or tune, or one that, if not strictly traditional, is very grounded in the tradition - that has a different "feel" or substance from a modern composition. We might use the analogy of antique jewelry as opposed to sleeker, more modern jewelry. When I hold an old ring, for example, I can 'feel' that there is more to it than just the metal and stone. The ring has a history - it has been worn, loved, cherished, given away, received...It may have been a source of strife - greed, envy, thievery, or a symbol of great love. Who might have worn the ring? What stories could it tell, if it could talk? Has it been passed down lovingly from mother to daughter to grand daughter? Or perhaps it has a more racy history? A gift from an ardent suitor to his flamboyant mistress? Where did it come from? Was it carried tucked away in a hidden pocket, by someone who sailed to a new land, as a remembrance of a lost love? Was it one of the many baubles lost to highwaymen or pickpockets? Where was it made, and who commissioned it? In much the same way, when we play, sing, or listen to a traditional song, if we use our imaginations there is more to it than the words and tune. It is even more interesting if we DO know a bit about the origins of the piece, and there are many places now on the internet (check my Links section) where we can obtain information and listen to field recordings that previously were only available in libraries or specialized collections. The very technology that changed the landscape of traditional music (not many people gather on the front porch to sing old songs anymore - they're more likely to be sitting in the living room watching their big screen televisions!) has made it more accessible than ever. The global 'Folk Community' now meets, discusses and even swaps songs on the internet! Likewise, obscure recordings can be ordered with ease from specialized on-line CD shops, so if we so desire, we have more folk music available to us than ever before. I hope you enjoy browsing this website, listening to the song selections, and checking out the links. If you have a link you'd like to submit, please e-mail me at maryrrf@yahoo.com . Thank for visiting!
Mary
Thanks for visiting!
Mary
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If
you've come to my website you're probably someone who enjoys traditional
music and song. Well met, and welcome!