Abstract:
Folk Music is according to Zoltan Kodaly, the mother tongue of music. It was traditionally
handed down orally, from one generation to another. The author in most cases remained
anonymous. Folk music is an important field for research on music ethnology and is excellent
thematic material for use in compositions.
Many composers like Haydn, Schubert, Grieg, Brahms, Bartok, Sibelius and others used
folkloristic material as an important source in establishing a certain identity in their music.
South African folk music is derived mainly from three sources, namely European, African
and the Malay and coloured communities. There is also a limited number of indigenous folk
songs in Afrikaans.
Prominent South African composers like Stefans Grove and Hans Rosenschoon have already
implemented folk music in some of their compositions. Most recent examples are, Die
Bose Wind, an opera by Grove and Timbila, a symphonic work by Rosenschoon.
The Music Department is presently preparing a syllabus according to South African needs
and priorities.
P.S Pre-recorded examples of compositions in which various composers implemented
folk music in their works added lustre to the lecture which was presented in Sonata-Allegro
form.