Modern interpretations and integrations of historical Dutch folk music: connecting past to present.

Abstract

Throughout the centuries many original and interpolated folk songs were created and performed in the Netherlands serving different functions; most are not common knowledge anymore. Research has been done into the history of Dutch folk music and the international folk scene, however, rarely into the role of historical folk music in the contemporary Dutch music scene or opportunities for the future. Therefore, the central question in this thesis is: how to connect historical Dutch folk music to the Dutch contemporary music scene? This leads to three sub questions:

1 Why should we interpret historical Dutch folk music? 2 How could we interpret historical Dutch folk music for its potential cultural impact? 3 What can be done to connect Dutch historical folk music with the contemporary music scene?

The research is based upon literature and semi structured interviews with musicians who interpret Dutch historical folk music. Literature and interviews lead to conclusions referring to the overall question and give rise to recommendations for further researching, performing and reviving historical Dutch folk music.