This page contains a selection of MP3 files in a range of Traditional and Other Styles of Music, anything that is not in the Classical MP3 and Original MP3 Sections. grouped into sections. These have been grouped into a number of themed sections, and the same music pieces are also generally available for download as MIDI Files or as Sheet Music. We have started to convert our music, re-recording tracks in high definition audio. You can stream/listen to these better quality versions using the "Spotify", "Apple Music" or "Other Platforms" links.
The concept of Music Hall and its Songs has had a surprising and lasting influence on the evolution of music theatre and popular music. Here are some well-known songs from the Music Hall era:
Scott Joplin grew up in the time and place where a new music was evolving. He was one of the pioneers of Ragtime Music making a name for himself with "Maple Leaf Rag". Usually credited solely to Jopin, "Swipesy" was a collaboration with his pupil Arthur Marshall. Joplin also co-wrote rags with Scott Hayden, and he provided some assistance to James Scott when he introduced him to his publisher. Scott Joplin is almost an exact contemporary of Debussy, and in fact influenced some of his work. Ragtime in general and Scott Joplin in particular reached a new audience when "The Entertainer" was used on the soundtrack to the movie "The Sting".
Bugle Calls are traditional pieces which have been used by the armed forces for centuries as a means of communication. The bugle can be heard over long distances, and is an effective way to communicate simple information and orders to a large number of people. The calls are frequently used to signal events requiring action, a familiar one being the "charge" of the US Cavalry as shown and heard in many Western movies. Perhaps the best-know of all bugle calls is the "The Last Post". This marks the end of the day, and is also used as a mark of respect for the dead at funerals and commemorative ceremonies. To mark the start of the day, different forces from different parts of the world use different tunes. Calls such as "Rouse" and "Reveille" are used as wake-up calls first thing in the morning. These M3 files have been recorded using a Trumpet sound:
See our article National Anthems and Patriotic Songs for more information about the origins of these pieces, which are often based on Classical Music, Hymns or Folk Songs:
A number of Folk Songs can be found in our section on National Anthems and Patriotic Songs. Here are mp3 files of some further folk songs and dances. Auld Lang Syne is a traditional melody used to mark the togetherness of a group or community at the close of an event, but particularly to mark the midnight clock chimes for a New Year.
Nursery Rhymes & Songs are a particular type of folk song which appeal to children. Initially parents will sing these to their children, and the chilren will learn to sing such songs themselves when they are older. Here are mp3 versions of such nursery and children's songs, in simple piano arrangements.
There is an enormous range of church music, and here are a representative sample of church music or hymns from our traditional catalogue:
Music is an important part of any wedding, particularly a church wedding. Here are some suggestions of suitable music taken from our wedding music section:
Equally important is the choice of music for the funeral service of a loved one, and here are a few classical suggestions from our funeral music section which has further examples. We also have a page of music suitable for Remembrance Day and similar occasions.
In the run up to Christmas, Carols seem to be everywhere: on television, on the radio, in shops and more. Here are a selection of MP3 files of Christmas Carols, arranged for keyboard (piano or organ) or for guitar (as arranged by Glenn Jarrett) or for solo instrument and accompaniment:
This waltz is an example of French brass band music. The music of Jean-Baptiste Lemire is preserved and promoted by Tanguy Lemire whose web-site includes music and material about his grandfather.
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