Folk Music

You may turn on the CD player or the radio when you want to hear music -- but once, in the days before modern technology, music was enjoyed informally, whenever groups of people got together. Folk Music will tell you about: folk instruments; folk music's European roots; folk music's African heritage; Cajun music; the music of Appalachia; Hispanic music; today's folk music revival. Modern music -- Rock, Country, R&B, and more -- is rooted deep in North America's musical folklore. And folk music is still alive and well today.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-These volumes provide clear coverage in lively, vivid prose. Though some familiarity with music and its techniques would prove helpful, each book presents its topic from many different angles, thereby offering readers a thorough history and explanation. Sieling examines folk music from its definition to traditional folk instruments to various ethnic influences, including European, African, Appalachian, and Hispanic. The revival of this music in the 20th and 21st centuries is discussed in the final chapter. In Folk Songs, the opening chapter asks "Why Do We Sing?" Sieling answers the question by showing how songs are used to help with tedious work, express love, show faith or devotion, protest, and encourage laughter. The cultural importance of children's songs is the focus of the final chapter. Each book intersperses examples of songs to support the point of each chapter. Related information highlighting well-known folklorists, folk musicians, and folk singers further augment the text. Illustrations include some humorous black-and-white cartoonlike drawings, and black-and-white and color photographs. Richard Carlin's English and American Folk Music (Facts On File, 1987; o.p.) and Melvin Berger's The Story of Folk Music (Phillips, 1976) include similar information. Excellent additions to any collection.-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.