Some aspects of the folk music complex of a Newfoundland outport

Cox, Gordon S. A. (1976) Some aspects of the folk music complex of a Newfoundland outport. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis is based on tape recorded interviews made during fieldwork carried out in Green's Harbour and in the Trinity Bay South area, principally in June and December, 1975, and January, 1976, as well as numerous weekends, and on research done at the "Newfoundland Room," Memorial University Library, St. John's, between 1974 and 1976. -- The aim of the study is to present as holistic a description as possible of the variety of musics in a Newfoundland outport, and to demonstrate the relationship between music and society by treating music as a form of human bahaviour. -- The theoretical framework of the thesis is presented in the Introduction, together with a description of my own background and fieldwork. This is followed by an ethnogrpahy of Green's Harbour, paying particular attention to social change. The next chapter can be regarded as complementary to the ethnography in that it discusses the contexts in which music was, and is performed. This includes important data for later conclusions about the reasons for musical change. A unique Christmas Carolling tradition is discussed in the succeeding two chapters. This can be regarded as representative of the older way of life, although it is presented also as a conscious attempt to control the acculturative process--a revitalization movement. Because it is such a unique tradition a brief description of other carolling traditions is presented, and the carol texts are discussed. The influence of country music on local performers is the subject of the next chapter, and it provides a suitable contrast to the emphasis laid on the traditional past in the previous two chapters. The concluding chapter explores the relationship between the musical and social change that has been described in the preceding chapters. -- The thesis attempts to demonstrate the relationships that exist between a community's values, social institutions and its music. Although the description is specific and concentrates on one community, it is hoped that it has a wider application.

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