The Interwoven Nature of Folklore and Folk Music
Folklore and folk music are intricately intertwined expressions of cultural heritage. Folk songs serve as vessels for preserving and transmitting folklore, conveying stories, historical events, moral lessons, and societal norms. These songs, passed down orally through generations, reflect the history, customs, and values of their originating culture. Folklore, comprising traditions, beliefs, myths, legends, and rituals, provides the rich context and inspiration for folk songs, shaping their content and themes. Together, they form a dynamic tapestry of a society's identity, values, and worldview, encapsulating the essence of its cultural heritage through music and storytelling.
Diamanda Galás: La Llorona
On May 15th, Diamanda Galás shared her rendition of the Mexican folklore song "La Llorona." Galás, of Maniati Greek and Middle-Eastern Greek/Egyptian descent, was born near the border of San Diego and Mexico, immersing herself in the daily sounds of corridos, rancheras, and ballads.
The tale of "La Llorona" recounts the sorrowful saga of a mestizo woman abandoned by her Spanish lover, who left her for a "purebred" woman. Fearing her children would be taken by their father, she tragically ends their lives by the river, seeking to sever ties with her unfaithful lover's lineage. Haunted and shunned, she wanders each night by the riverbank, gathering weeds in the hope of reuniting with her lost children. This narrative is steeped in themes of abandonment, revenge, murder, humiliation, and isolation.
Galás's interpretation of this folk song echoes the emotional depth of the amanés style, with its dramatic and stark delivery. This choice is not merely stylistic but also logical, as the profound and emotive Spanish cante jondo tradition, originating from Byzantine roots, shares similarities with the amanés.
Other Artists Embracing Folklore in Music
Secos & Molhados (Brazil)
The 1970s band Secos & Molhados is known for its glam rock style blended with Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Their flamboyant stage persona and elaborate costumes were key features. They were part of the Tropicalismo movement, a cultural and musical movement in Brazil during the 1960s. Tropicalismo blended traditional Brazilian music with avant-garde, psychedelic, and rock influences to challenge the political and cultural status quo. Their famous song “O Vira” features superstitious elements, Portuguese music influence (Vira), and Brazilian mythological creatures such as black cats, werewolves, fairies, and Saci Pererê.
Carlos Vives (Colombia)
Carlos Vives is celebrated for his fusion of traditional Colombian folk music with contemporary pop and rock. His album "La Tierra del Olvido" is particularly emblematic of this blend, incorporating elements such as vallenato, cumbia, and traditional rhythms into his songs.
Loreena McKennitt (Canada)
Loreena McKennitt is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her world music with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences. Her albums like "The Visit" and "The Mask and Mirror" feature themes from Celtic and medieval European folklore.
Heilung (Denmark/Germany/Norway)
Heilung is a Scandinavian experimental music group that draws heavily from Norse mythology, ancient Germanic folklore, and ritualistic practices. Their performances feature historical instruments and chants inspired by archaeological findings and ancient texts.
Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)
Youssou N'Dour incorporates elements of Senegalese folklore and the griot tradition into his music. His distinctive blend of mbalax rhythms and powerful vocals celebrates the cultural heritage and oral storytelling traditions of Senegal.
Ali Farka Touré (Mali)
Ali Farka Touré was renowned for his mastery of the African blues style and for incorporating elements of Malian folklore into his compositions. His music often reflects themes of spirituality, community, and everyday life in West Africa.
Tinariwen (Mali)
The Grammy-winning Tuareg band Tinariwen blends traditional Tuareg music with modern influences like blues, rock, and folk. Their songs reflect the struggles, resilience, and nomadic lifestyle of the Tuareg people, rooted in their folklore.
Yasmin Levy (Israel)
Yasmin Levy is known for her unique blend of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) music with influences from flamenco, Turkish, and Middle Eastern traditions. Her music explores themes of Sephardic Jewish culture and folklore.
Tal National (Niger)
Tal National is a band known for their energetic blend of West African rhythms, including traditional Hausa and Zarma music styles. Their songs reflect the cultural diversity and folklore of Niger.
Sevara Nazarkhan (Uzbekistan)
Sevara Nazarkhan blends traditional Uzbek folk music with contemporary sounds. Her music often incorporates the maqam tradition, bringing ancient Uzbek stories and themes to life through modern interpretations.
Kila (Ireland)
Kila is an Irish folk band known for their energetic performances and innovative approach to traditional Irish music. They incorporate elements of Irish folklore and mythology into their songs, using traditional instruments to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
Essential information
Main image on this page by Bobby Talamine
