Read a short passage and listen to part of a lecture on the same topic. Reading Time: 45 s

Read a short passage and listen to part of a lecture on the same topic.

Reading Time: 45 seconds

Ballads

A ballad is a poem that tells a story and is sung to music. Usually the story is of unknown origin, and a number of versions may be found for one song, a characteristic that stems from the oral tradition. As the song is passed on from one singer to another, a word is added or changed, or a slight alteration is made in the tune. In short, ballads represent a living tradition that evolves as the song is performed and passed to the next musician. A collection of ballads has been preserved in written form. in the volume English and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child, and many ballads are still referred to by their "Child number."

Now listen to part of a lecture in a music appreciation class. The professor is talking about the ballad of "Barbara Allen."

Question

Define a ballad, and then explain why "Barbara Allen" can be classified as a ballad.

Preparation Time: 30 seconds

Recording Time: 60 seconds