FOLK SONGS
Sir,-Replying to your correspondent, L. Etherington, in the introductory volume of the Oxford History of Music, A. H. Fox-Strangways contends that a folk song: (1) Originates with the voice, not with an instrument; (2) its rhythm is affected by the words; (3) it is not written down; (4) it is conceived a melody without harmony. Another authority states, inter alia, in dealing with folk music, including folk dances, that folk music may be described as traditional melodies, the spontaneous expression of nationa! temperament in popular tunes, and essentially an art of the peasantry. While the words of the song mentioned were by Ben Jonson, who gave it the title "To Celia," it is included in a book of folk songs and though its origin appears to be obscure, it is quite possible that it may come within FoxStrangways’ definition. 7
HAROLD
WHITE
(Wanganui).
More letters from listeners will be found om page 22
‘LETTERS FROM LISTENERS
(continued from page 5)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 19, Issue 473, 16 July 1948, Page 5
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162FOLK SONGS New Zealand Listener, Volume 19, Issue 473, 16 July 1948, Page 5
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