Folk Music vs. Classical

David Raleigh Arnold

The Rap

I recently heard some university professors blowing smoke about the “folk music” vs. the "classical" traditions, with the usual cant about how each generation makes its contribution in the “folk” music tradition.

In the “classical” tradition folks don’t vary from the notes and are hidebound to whatever is on the parchment.

It’s all nonsense.

Folk Tradition

After a few generations, the “folk” tune, probably written in New York City, has usually degenerated by the massaging of fools and incompetents into swill barely recognizable as music. Unfortunately, the chain of illiterate “tradition” is only as strong as whatever moron is its weakest link.

This is without taking account of the reality that most “folk” music is not folk music at all by any sane definition, because it has yet to make it through even a second generation. Most of it won’t.

Musicianship

By the “classical” tradition is meant a tradition of musicianship. There is really nothing particularly classical about it. Knowledge does not inhibit improvisation, it enhances it. That’s why Bird and other pioneers studied theory so seriously in university. It is true that improvisation is not encouraged in a symphony orchestra. So what? If you varied a little bit Bill Monroe would get on your case too.

The point is that music notation and literacy are not merely part of a particular tradition. They are the means by which traditions can be and are preserved. If it weren’t for notation and the ability to use it, folk music would be a million times worse than it is today, and hardly any of the familiar folk tunes would exist.

©2010 David Raleigh Arnold - http://www.openguitar.com