Balladeer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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balladeer
[ˌbæl.əˈdɪər ]
Definition
music
A balladeer is a singer or musician who specializes in singing ballads, which are narrative songs or poems that tell a story.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| balladeer |
A balladeer typically performs songs that tell stories, often of a historical or romantic nature. This term is most appropriate for describing someone who sings ballads and emphasizes the narrative aspect of their music.
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| singer |
A singer is someone who uses their voice to produce music. This term is general and applies to anyone who sings, regardless of the style or context.
|
| musician |
A musician is a broad term that refers to anyone who plays, composes, or performs music. This term is not specific to any style or type of music and can apply to professionals and amateurs alike.
|
| minstrel |
A minstrel usually refers to a medieval entertainer who performed songs which might include stories, often while traveling from place to place. Minstrels might also play instruments and sometimes perform other acts like juggling or acrobatics.
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Examples of usage
- He is known as a talented balladeer in the folk music scene.
- The balladeer captivated the audience with his emotional storytelling.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Famous Balladeers
- Woody Guthrie is a famous American balladeer known for songs that reflect the struggles of ordinary people.
- Bob Dylan, considered a modern balladeer, has influenced generations with his narrative songwriting and poetic lyrics.
- Johnny Cash’s storytelling style has made him a legendary figure in country music, often exploring themes of love and loss.
Cultural Significance
- Balladeers often address social issues, using their songs to raise awareness about important topics.
- In many cultures, wandering musicians who perform ballads connect communities by sharing local tales and history.
- Traditional balladeers played a critical role in oral history, passing down stories and cultural values through generations.
Literary Connections
- Ballads have been a popular form of literature for centuries, often recounting tales of romance, tragedy, and heroism.
- Famous literary ballads include 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which tells a vivid maritime story.
- The structure of a ballad often includes repetition, which helps to emphasize key moments in the story.
Modern Usage
- Today, many contemporary musicians still embrace the balladeer style, blending it with genres like folk, rock, and pop.
- In film and television, balladeers appear as characters singing about their journeys, often used to express emotions vividly.
- With the rise of social media, the concept of balladeering has expanded to include storytelling through video and online platforms.
Origin of 'balladeer'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'balladeer' comes from 'ballade', a form of poetry or song that tells a story.
- Originally, 'ballade' was a French word meaning 'to dance', connecting music and movement.
- Over time, the meaning shifted, and 'balladeer' became synonymous with storytelling through song.
The term 'balladeer' originated in the late 18th century from the word 'ballad,' which refers to a narrative song or poem. Ballads have been a popular form of storytelling through music for centuries, with balladeers playing a significant role in preserving and performing these traditional songs. Balladeers have been prominent figures in various musical genres, including folk, country, and blues, continuing to enchant audiences with their storytelling abilities.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,736, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.