MHST 540B Topics in American Music: American Folk Music
The late 19th century “discovery” of vibrant living folk music traditions in Appalachia led to the first publication of hundreds of American ballads, and kicked off a continuing quest for the search for and preservation of American “roots” music. Since the beginning of this movement, “collectors” and performers have struggled with issues of learning, transcribing, recording, and sharing music traditionally passed on aurally. How does one “preserve” music that does not fit into our familiar understanding of harmony and rhythm? How does preservation of tradition change the music? How does American folk music influence our understanding of classical music and jazz, as scholars and performers?