Towards an understanding of Canadian traditional song style through analyses of descriptive transcriptions using field recordings made by Edith F. Fowke in the Peterborough area of Ontario during the years 1957 to 1959

This research examines Anglo/Celtic Canadian traditional song style performed by ten selected singers found in field recordings collected by Edith F. Fowke in the Peterborough area of Ontario during the years 1957--1959. Song style was examined through descriptive transcriptions of twenty-one selected songs. A descriptive transcription in western staff notation was completed attempting to retain all that was heard in the sung performance. A prescriptive transcription followed with all vocal ornaments eliminated. Finally a rhythm pronunciation transcription showing the rhythmic placement of all vowels and consonants was completed. Frequency of occurrence of stylistic features acted as indicators of style. An array of ornaments was found in the twenty-one songs transcribed. A repertoire of ornaments was consistently performed by a singer from song to song, verse to verse. A general song style was defined according to the frequency of occurrence of stylistic devices analyzed.