Exploring the Anglo-American Ballad: Stories, Poems, & Tunes

The tradition of the Anglo-American ballad stands behind all the popular music that has been produced in this country since the Civil War. Although not well remembered today, these narrative songs offer a fascinating window into cultural mores in both England and America, from Elizabethan times down to the early 20th century.

 

During their heyday between 1550 and 1850, thousands of ballads were produced, typically selling on printed “broadsides” for a penny a copy. Their topics touched on almost every conceivable aspect of society, and many of them express sentiments that are truly timeless. But perhaps the most lasting value of these artifacts lies in the heartfelt quality of the tunes the ballads were sung to, the best of which possess a natural grace and sweetness that has rarely been equaled in any music of modern times.

 

This lecture-demonstration will introduce the ballad as an art form using live musical examples performed by Dr. Kevin N. Moll (Faculty Emeritus of Musicology, East Carolina University).