Interest in the national and regional musical traditions of European countries is greater than ever and is spreading far beyond the individual national boundaries. And importantly, authenticity of musical style is mostly being preserved during this growth of cross-border awareness and appreciation of local musical cultures.
For years Irish traditional music was the only European folk genre to achieve international appreciation, and in terms of mass popularity it still holds a unique position, largely thanks to groups like The Chieftains and showmen like Michael Flatley.
But among more specifically folk-interested audiences, the musics of most other European countries have been gaining appeal.
Go to a typical English folk club these days and you may well hear a featured guest or a floor spot or two featuring music from France, Brittany, Sweden or elsewhere on the continent. And probably not by nationals of those states - more likely by Brits who have adopted somebody else's national music just because it appeals to them.
There are local pockets of special interest - for example in the Brighton area of Sussex French folk dance with live music is often easier to find than native English.
Traditional music from central France has a particularly strong following in England and elsewhere in Europe, and its growing popularity has led to increased international demand for its traditional instruments, the hurdy-gurdy and cornemuse pipes. Breton music has a wide appeal, too, and again a traditional instrument, the little Breton pipes, have enjoyed a revival.
Swedish music with its strong middle-Eastern influences has also become much more popular throughout the continent (although mostly as fiddle tunes - there's little sign of a revival in the traditional nyckelharper, a gurdy which is bowed rather than using a spinning wheel).
Other national musics, too, and quite localised regional styles, are being appreciated and practised well beyond their original boundaries.
Politically and commercially the world is maybe becoming one global village, but cultural identities are being well preserved in folk music.
Go To Page: 1
