Cecil Sharp

Cecil Sharp (1859-1924) was an English folk music collector, musician and educator who played a pivotal role in documenting and preserving traditional English folk songs and dances. His extensive fieldwork resulted in the collection of over 4,800 folk tunes in England and North America, including ballads, morris dances, and country dance music. Sharp's most significant work occurred between 1903-1924 when he traveled through rural England and the Appalachian Mountains of America, transcribing songs directly from traditional singers. His collections, published in numerous volumes, include Folk Songs from Somerset, English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians, and The Country Dance Book series. The founding of the English Folk Dance Society in 1911 was one of Sharp's lasting achievements, an organization that later merged to become the English Folk Dance and Song Society. His teaching methods and notations for folk dance became standard references in English schools and influenced folk music education throughout the English-speaking world. Sharp's work, though later critiqued for its selective approach, established many of the foundational texts of the English folk revival and helped preserve a significant portion of Anglo-American folk tradition. His personal archive of manuscripts, photographs, and correspondence is housed at Cecil Sharp House in London, the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

Readers value Sharp's detail and comprehensiveness in documenting folk traditions, particularly in English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians. Folk music practitioners cite his precise musical notations and clear dance instructions as useful reference materials. Positive reviews highlight: - Thorough documentation of song variants - Clear transcription methods - Historical context provided for songs - Systematic organization of material Common criticisms include: - Selective editing of songs to fit Victorian sensibilities - Overlooking African American and other cultural influences - Academic writing style that can feel dry - Limited discussion of social contexts His instructional works like The Country Dance Book receive consistent 4-5 star ratings on speciality folk music sites and academic review platforms. English Folk Songs averages 4.2/5 stars on Goodreads (42 ratings) and 4.5/5 on Amazon (12 ratings), with folk musicians and historians making up most reviewers. Online forum discussions frequently debate his collection methods but acknowledge his role in preservation during a critical period of cultural change.

English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians (1917) A collection of 122 folk songs gathered during Sharp's field trips through the Appalachian Mountains, complete with musical notation and documented variations.

English Folk Song: Some Conclusions (1907) An analytical study examining the characteristics, origins, and development of English folk music, including discussion of modes, rhythm, and melody.

Folk Songs from Somerset (1904-1909) A five-volume compilation of traditional songs collected from Somerset, England, featuring lyrics, musical notation, and source information.

One Hundred English Folksongs (1916) A curated selection of traditional English songs with piano accompaniment and detailed notes on each song's origin and collection.

Country Dance Book (1909-1922) A six-part series documenting traditional English country dances, including step-by-step instructions and accompanying music.

The Morris Book (1907-1913) A five-volume work detailing Morris dance traditions, including dance notation, music, and historical background of this English folk dance form.

The Sword Dances of Northern England (1911-1913) A three-volume documentation of traditional sword dances from Northern England, including music, choreography, and historical context.

Ralph Vaughan Williams collected and preserved English folk songs during the early 20th century, documenting traditional music from rural communities. Like Sharp, he combined folk song collecting with composition and educational work to help revive English musical traditions.

Maud Karpeles worked as Sharp's assistant and continued his folk music collection efforts after his death, making significant contributions to folk dance documentation. She collected songs in Newfoundland and published key works about English folk dance traditions.

Francis James Child compiled the comprehensive "Child Ballads" collection of English and Scottish folk songs, creating a reference work that influenced later collectors. His systematic approach to documenting ballad variations established methods that Sharp and others would follow.

Lucy Broadwood co-founded the Folk Song Society and collected hundreds of traditional songs from England's rural regions. She collaborated with other collectors and published "English Traditional Songs and Carols" in 1908.

Mary Neal established the Espérance Club to teach folk songs and dances to working-class girls in London. She worked to spread folk music through education and social reform, though later disagreed with Sharp over approaches to folk dance preservation.