17th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
The Cherry Tree Carol: Traditional, 1960's Folk, and Symphonic Arrangements
Catherine E. Ramsey
Dr. Marc Rice, Faculty Mentor
England and Scotland among many other countries have claimed the origination of the folk song The Cherry Tree Carol. Transplanted to the New World, this ballad later traveled from 19th century Appalachia through the folk music of the 1960's, and into modern symphonic and choral literature. As most other Child ballads evolved into bluegrass music, this is a unique feature of The Cherry Tree Carol. I have compared and contrasted the instrumentation, melodies, harmonies, rhythms, modes, sounds, and colors of this work as it traveled through history. This presentation provides an opportunity to learn about life in each of these eras as well as hear how this music changed as it was adopted by different cultures.
Keywords: folk music, Cherry Tree Carol, Child Ballad, Appalachia
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 41-3
Location: OP 2111
Time: 4:15