The folk music of England is a tradition-based music which has existed since the later medieval period. It is often contrasted with courtly, classical and later commercial music. Folk music traditionally was preserved and passed on orally within communities, but print and subsequently audio recordings have since become the primary means of transmission. The term is used to refer both to English traditional music and music composed or delivered in a traditional style.
Original score of Pastime with Good Company (c. 1513), held in the British Library, London.
The first page of an 1840 printed version of "Barbara Allen" one of the most widely collected English language folk ballads.
Cecil Sharp
Pentangle performing in 1969
A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. Genre is to be distinguished from musical form and musical style, although in practice these terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Two DJs practicing turntablism
Piano accordion: Italian instrument used in several cultures
Metallica performing at the O2 Arena, March 28, 2009
John Scofield at the stage of Energimølla. The concert was part of Kongsberg Jazzfestival and took place on July 6, 2017