Cecil James Sharp
- Born:
- 22 November 1859, London, England
- Died:
- 23 June 1924, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Folk Song Collector, Musician, Teacher, Author
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Uppingham School.
- Studied mathematics and music at Clare College, Cambridge.
- Briefly worked as a clerk before pursuing a career in music.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began collecting English folk songs in 1903, after hearing a gardener sing "The Seeds of Love."
- Collected thousands of folk songs and dances from rural England and the Appalachian region of the United States.
- Established the English Folk Dance Society (later the English Folk Dance and Song Society, EFDSS).
- Published numerous books and articles on folk music and dance.
- Instrumental in promoting folk music and dance education in schools.
- Worked to transcribe and arrange folk tunes for performance.
Notable Works
- English Folk Song: Some Conclusions (1907)
- The Country Dance Book (multiple volumes)
- English Folk Carols (1911)
- Collections of folk songs from Somerset, Berkshire, and other regions.
Legacy and Impact
Cecil James Sharp played a crucial role in preserving and popularizing English folk music and dance. His extensive collections and publications continue to be a valuable resource for scholars and performers. The English Folk Dance and Song Society, which he founded, remains a prominent organization dedicated to promoting folk arts.
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