[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe

Kalinka

[With Japanese translation] Kalinka (Russian folk song) “Kalinka” – With kana reading

This song is a folk tune that shines in the cultural history of Russia.

Created in 1860 by composer and ethnographer Ivan Petrovich Larionov, it overflows with poetic imagery themed around Russian nature and romance, all within a lively and cheerful melodic line.

Its distinctive structure—starting at a slow tempo and gradually accelerating—is also striking.

At the closing ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, soprano Aida Garifullina performed it in collaboration with Ronaldinho.

It has also been featured in video games such as Tetris and Civilization VI, and is loved around the world.

It’s a recommended piece for those who want to experience exotic, richly evocative folk music or who are interested in Russian culture.

Job of Journey Work

“Job of Journeywork/Madame Bonaparte”, Cillian & Niall Vallely

Folk music and dance may be inseparable.

This piece, “Job of Journey Work,” is Irish music.

It’s a tune often used for what’s known as Irish dance.

Irish dance is characterized by movements similar to tap dancing—keeping the upper body relatively still while making rapid, rhythmic steps that produce percussive shoe sounds.

If you watch it on video, you’ll see how perfectly it fits the bright, rhythmic style of Irish music.

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Araki Jakkan

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Greensleeves

Greensleeves (Green-Sleeves) English folk song (Japanese and English)

Let us be guided by beautiful melodies into the world of folk songs where the time‑honored traditions of Britain live on.

Born in late-16th-century England, this piece has endured across the ages as an iconic song that entrusts a bittersweet love to the color green.

Since its first publication registration in September 1580 by London printer Richard Jones, it has been arranged in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and folk.

In the 1962 film How the West Was Won, Debbie Reynolds performed it as “Home in the Meadow,” revealing a new charm.

Its soothing melody and deep emotion make it perfect for quiet moments or for those wishing to experience a foreign culture.

Alma Janera

Alma Llanera

[Horópo (Venezuela)] Lyrics by Rafael Bolívar Coronado, music by Pedro Elías Gutiérrez: “Alma Llanera.” Performed by Costa Rican violinist Ricardo Ramírez and cellist Marianela Cordero.

Humahuacaño

El Humahuaqueño, Flower Festival, Mirka Mirka (mirccamircca)

[Andean Folklore] The amateur group Milca Milca, a folklore conjunto active mainly in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, performs “El Humahuaqueño.” Recorded during the live public broadcast of SBS Radio (Shizuoka Broadcasting System)’s program “Radio East.”

Cielito Lindo

Mariachi Vargas – Cielito Lindo Huasteco

Mariachi, a type of Mexican music that’s also inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

“Cielito Lindo,” composed by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés, is one of the great mariachi classics and is also beloved in Mexico as a soccer chant.

Its invigorating melody, brimming with Latin flair, really sticks in your ears.

The word “mariachi” carries the sense of an ensemble or band, which means that even the same piece, like “Cielito Lindo,” can sound different depending on who performs it.

Be sure to search for a version that suits your taste.

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Araki Jakkan

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Alfonsina and the Sea

Alfonsina and the Sea / Grupo Cántati

[Argentinian Folklore] Ariel Ramírez’s composition “Alfonsina y el Mar.” Performed by the folklore group Grupo Cantati led by quena player Ernesto Kawamoto.

Charango: Shizue Shimada; Guitar: Kohei Takeda.