[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe
Traditional and folk music has a charm that’s different from works categorized into genres like rock, jazz, or R&B, doesn’t it? It’s like you catch a glimpse of a world different from where you are now… scenes you can’t quite put into words start to unfold in your heart.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a wide variety of folk music loved around the world.
From pieces brimming with exotic flair to songs that feel surprisingly familiar, we’ve gathered a truly broad selection! Listen to the tracks featured here and open a new door.
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- Mexican Music | Energetic Latin Tunes Make an Appearance!
- Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- Everything is stylish! Popular music in France
- Summary of ethnic musical instruments originating in Africa
- 【2026】The State of World Music Now: Introducing Masterpieces to Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures
- Flamenco masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes
- Also great as café music! Introducing famous tunes to savor the charm of musette
- Classic salsa songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Dutch Music | Introducing the Latest Tracks and Timeless Classics!
- [2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces
[World Music] Recommended Ethnic Music: A Compilation of Folk Songs from Around the World (41–50)
A night longing for you
[Guarania (Paraguay)] “Mis Noches Sin Ti” composed by Demetrio Ortiz.
Performed by the Latin American trio Los Tres Amigos.
The members are Luis Carlos, Luis Sartor, and Ricky Rodríguez.
Dead Leaves
[Chanson (France)] “Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles mortes),” lyrics by Jacques Prévert, music by Joseph Kosma.
Performed by chanson singer Yoko Beppu, with Hiroshi Ueda on piano and Toshizo Tomiyama on bass.
From a concert at Sunport Takamatsu in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
My Nostalgic Buenos Aires
[Argentine Tango] Lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera, music by Carlos Gardel: “My Beloved Buenos Aires (Mi Buenos Aires querido).” Performed by Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo and Argentine soprano Virginia Tola.
The Moon of Tucumán
[Argentine Folklore] Atahualpa Yupanqui’s piece “Luna tucumana” (The Moon of Tucumán).
Vocal and guitar: Ms.
Natsuko Nagahama from Hokkaido; bandoneon: Mr.
Yoshihiro Tanabe; piano: Mr.
Kenji Kamasu.
Performed at the Ginza live house “Tsukiyo no Koneko.”
Come to my village.
[Argentine Folklore] The chacarera “Entre a mi pago sin golpear” (“Come to My Village”) sung by Argentine vocalist Mercedes Sosa.
This is from the Festival de Viña music festival held in Viña del Mar, Valparaíso Region, central Chile.
In conclusion
I hope it felt like you were abroad for a moment.
When you listen to folk music, even if you’re at home, it can make you see a different landscape than usual—at least, that’s how it feels to me.
This time I introduced pieces under the theme of “masterworks of folk music,” but of course there are still countless wonderful folk traditions around the world.
I’ll keep updating, so I’d be happy if you drop by again whenever you’re interested.