Neo-Chamber Music?
Jul 21, 2018 10:04:00 GMT -5
Post by dungeonsnake on Jul 21, 2018 10:04:00 GMT -5
This thread is an offshoot of the Neo-Folk thread, and an attempt to explore and clarify some issues presented there. Specifically, this sequence of posts between haven, Almenning and myself:
All good! 
This brings me to mind how broad and inappropriate the term Neofolk can be. Terminology in music is a pain and often unnecessary but I always felt that shelving Death In June and Vàli together for example is somewhat misleading. The branching out of Post-Punk and Industrial music into the fields of Folk sprouted a genre of its own, and despite being composed of groups with different approaches, they all had that same background. While developing it also brought into Folk other themes like Occultism and Pan-Germanic Mythology but especially Völkisch ideals and WWII memorabilia. This all started in the 80's but the reason why it got so bad rep in the 90's and early 00's was because of the political grey areas some of these groups or individuals were associated with. I once attended a Death In June gig where the venue was disclosed a couple hours before by sms just to prevent it from being cancelled by protesters, but thats beside the point. I think these more recent groups who expressively focus their concepts on nature worship and romanticism and who play almost exclusively acoustic instruments (and who most certainly come from Black Metal) are different from others who feature electronic sounds and ideological flirtations. Not saying any of this isn't interchangeable but it seems like the traditional lineages of Industrial vs. Folk still have a big influence upon the behaviour of those who lean more to one genre than the another. And on top of that there are tons of contemporary groups who are classified as Neofolk who have nothing to do with any of this. I think the genre in general used to be called Dark Folk (and at an early instance Apocalyptic Folk) but somehow the Neofolk tag just stuck in the past decade or so. But Death In June is clearly Totenpop though
crystallogic13 By the way, I had forgotten how Vàli sounds a hell lot like "Kveldssanger" and "Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays".Thank you, this expresses a lot of points that I was not quite able to articulate myself. As for me, being a student of traditional European and North American folk music I prefer contemporary acoustic acts which often cross the line into "neo-chamber music". Perhaps it is my definition that is wrong? Perhaps there should be a thread specifically for traditional folk music.
I really enjoyed that Steeleye Span song/video. Very cool.
So, to clarify. "Neo-Chamber music" is Neo-folk with the following caveats:
- Entirely acoustic, with the exception of samples (ie, nature sounds)
- Primarily instrumental - vocals are choral or minimal, no chanting or spoken word.
- Non-ideological (no Volkisch themes, etc)
I choose the name "Neo-chamber music" because I think it shares in common some aspects with that genre. Generally, there are one-to-five instruments, primarily stringed instruments but also including woodwinds. Each instrument plays its own part, and the dynamics of the music emerge from the interplay of those parts, the balance and counterbalance of themes. A variance between minor and major keys articulates melancholy, but is ultimately uplifting. It is the "rational conversation" that describes chamber music. However, unlike traditional chamber music, Neo-chamber musicians often play all the instruments themselves, or a song may be a solo performance. The compositions are often delicate and baroque, and sometimes veer more towards classical guitar. The term "Neo-chamber folk" is meant to invoke that this is intimate music, meant to be enjoyed alone or at a quiet gathering, and one often feels that the musicians are in the room with you.
I fully recognize that the appellation is a clumsy one, and I am certainly willing to switch to a more appropriate one if it appears. Indeed, Neofolk, Ambient-folk or Classical-folk may be the most appropriate title here. I was merely seeking to differentiate this style of music from the Neo-Folk as presented in the other thread, for the purposes of discussion and sharing.
Just like in Dungeon Synth, there is much crossover here between neo-chamber music and black metal. Many of the formative artists seem to have arisen from the world of black metal. Neo-chamber music shares in common with DS and BM, a rejection of the contemporary world and a deliberate return to a simpler existence. The artists turn inwards, seeking half-forgotten paths and archaic modes of expression. The themes are centered around nature, and are often quite melancholy. Many tracks may include sounds of rain falling, birds calling, or rivers running. Cover artwork is often moody, romantic paintings of landscapes or forest scenes.
Like other genres familiar to those here, this is an intensely personal and intimate form. One person may have foundational bedrocks that are unknown to another. To my mind, the king of this realm is the artist Vàli. The other cornerstones, to my mind, are Musk Ox and the October Falls acoustic albums. Most people seem to point to the origin of this type of music being "Kveldssanger" by Ulver, but I don't like this album as much because it features chanting/vocals so prominently.
To my mind, Vàli is the undisputed master of this genre. No other artist can claim such transcendent skill. I have listened to "Forlatt" probably more times than any other album of any genre. It is the constant soundtrack to my life, whether playing video games or sharpening my tools. It always puts me in a calm, focused state - perfect for any type of intellectual or meditative exercise. I try to carry this state of mind with me throughout life. By comparison, "Skogslandskap" is somewhat busier - better for more active summer days, or combat-oriented videogames.
"Whom the Moon a Nightsong Sings" is a compilation album, and an excellent primer for somebody interested in the genre. Here, you will hear many of the current luminaries of Neo-folk - including both the chanting-and-vocals, overtly mythological style from the other thread and the more classical-minded style that I prefer. It includes tracks from some of my personal favorites like Vàli and October Falls, well-known Neo-folk artists like Tenhi, Neun Welten and Nest, and artists that will be familiar to the black metal fans like Empyrium.
This album was introduced to me in the other thread, and it has quickly found its way into heavy rotation. It has become one of my favorites. Pure nature.
October Falls is primarily a metal band, but in 2007 they produced this stunningly lovely EP. It reminds me very much of Vàli.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you find this sub-genre to be of interest. Please share your own favorites, or thoughts.
This brings me to mind how broad and inappropriate the term Neofolk can be. Terminology in music is a pain and often unnecessary but I always felt that shelving Death In June and Vàli together for example is somewhat misleading. The branching out of Post-Punk and Industrial music into the fields of Folk sprouted a genre of its own, and despite being composed of groups with different approaches, they all had that same background. While developing it also brought into Folk other themes like Occultism and Pan-Germanic Mythology but especially Völkisch ideals and WWII memorabilia. This all started in the 80's but the reason why it got so bad rep in the 90's and early 00's was because of the political grey areas some of these groups or individuals were associated with. I once attended a Death In June gig where the venue was disclosed a couple hours before by sms just to prevent it from being cancelled by protesters, but thats beside the point. I think these more recent groups who expressively focus their concepts on nature worship and romanticism and who play almost exclusively acoustic instruments (and who most certainly come from Black Metal) are different from others who feature electronic sounds and ideological flirtations. Not saying any of this isn't interchangeable but it seems like the traditional lineages of Industrial vs. Folk still have a big influence upon the behaviour of those who lean more to one genre than the another. And on top of that there are tons of contemporary groups who are classified as Neofolk who have nothing to do with any of this. I think the genre in general used to be called Dark Folk (and at an early instance Apocalyptic Folk) but somehow the Neofolk tag just stuck in the past decade or so. But Death In June is clearly Totenpop though crystallogic13 By the way, I had forgotten how Vàli sounds a hell lot like "Kveldssanger" and "Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays".
I really enjoyed that Steeleye Span song/video. Very cool.
So, to clarify. "Neo-Chamber music" is Neo-folk with the following caveats:
- Entirely acoustic, with the exception of samples (ie, nature sounds)
- Primarily instrumental - vocals are choral or minimal, no chanting or spoken word.
- Non-ideological (no Volkisch themes, etc)
I choose the name "Neo-chamber music" because I think it shares in common some aspects with that genre. Generally, there are one-to-five instruments, primarily stringed instruments but also including woodwinds. Each instrument plays its own part, and the dynamics of the music emerge from the interplay of those parts, the balance and counterbalance of themes. A variance between minor and major keys articulates melancholy, but is ultimately uplifting. It is the "rational conversation" that describes chamber music. However, unlike traditional chamber music, Neo-chamber musicians often play all the instruments themselves, or a song may be a solo performance. The compositions are often delicate and baroque, and sometimes veer more towards classical guitar. The term "Neo-chamber folk" is meant to invoke that this is intimate music, meant to be enjoyed alone or at a quiet gathering, and one often feels that the musicians are in the room with you.
I fully recognize that the appellation is a clumsy one, and I am certainly willing to switch to a more appropriate one if it appears. Indeed, Neofolk, Ambient-folk or Classical-folk may be the most appropriate title here. I was merely seeking to differentiate this style of music from the Neo-Folk as presented in the other thread, for the purposes of discussion and sharing.
Just like in Dungeon Synth, there is much crossover here between neo-chamber music and black metal. Many of the formative artists seem to have arisen from the world of black metal. Neo-chamber music shares in common with DS and BM, a rejection of the contemporary world and a deliberate return to a simpler existence. The artists turn inwards, seeking half-forgotten paths and archaic modes of expression. The themes are centered around nature, and are often quite melancholy. Many tracks may include sounds of rain falling, birds calling, or rivers running. Cover artwork is often moody, romantic paintings of landscapes or forest scenes.
Like other genres familiar to those here, this is an intensely personal and intimate form. One person may have foundational bedrocks that are unknown to another. To my mind, the king of this realm is the artist Vàli. The other cornerstones, to my mind, are Musk Ox and the October Falls acoustic albums. Most people seem to point to the origin of this type of music being "Kveldssanger" by Ulver, but I don't like this album as much because it features chanting/vocals so prominently.
To my mind, Vàli is the undisputed master of this genre. No other artist can claim such transcendent skill. I have listened to "Forlatt" probably more times than any other album of any genre. It is the constant soundtrack to my life, whether playing video games or sharpening my tools. It always puts me in a calm, focused state - perfect for any type of intellectual or meditative exercise. I try to carry this state of mind with me throughout life. By comparison, "Skogslandskap" is somewhat busier - better for more active summer days, or combat-oriented videogames.
"Whom the Moon a Nightsong Sings" is a compilation album, and an excellent primer for somebody interested in the genre. Here, you will hear many of the current luminaries of Neo-folk - including both the chanting-and-vocals, overtly mythological style from the other thread and the more classical-minded style that I prefer. It includes tracks from some of my personal favorites like Vàli and October Falls, well-known Neo-folk artists like Tenhi, Neun Welten and Nest, and artists that will be familiar to the black metal fans like Empyrium.
This album was introduced to me in the other thread, and it has quickly found its way into heavy rotation. It has become one of my favorites. Pure nature.
October Falls is primarily a metal band, but in 2007 they produced this stunningly lovely EP. It reminds me very much of Vàli.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you find this sub-genre to be of interest. Please share your own favorites, or thoughts.
