In August 2020 the Cornish National Music Archive (CNMA) was launched online.
In their first blog post, CNMA co-ordinator Kate Neale said:
As music researchers and enthusiasts, we wanted to bring wider attention to these important pieces of Cornish musical history and culture, and help grow the collection itself – which was where the idea for this website was born.
We felt it was important to include information not only about the collection held at Kresen Kernow, but about the broader range of music in Cornwall – from brass bands to traditional and folk music, Cornish language song, performers and composers, festivals, events, and venues – basically, to be a resource for everyone that reflects the diversity of Cornwall and its music.
Welcome to the Cornish National Music Archive, published 3 August 2020
The CNMA aims to cover all kinds of music in Cornwall, not just Cornish traditional music, although this will make up a large portion of its collection. As well as a website, a physical archive will be maintained at Kresen Kernow in Redruth, Cornwall’s largest collection of documents, books, maps and photographs related to Cornish history.
It will cover “brass bands to traditional and folk music, Cornish language song, performers and composers, festivals, events, and venues – basically, to be a resource for everyone that reflects the diversity of Cornwall and its music.”
The tunes section of the Cornish National Music Archive website is being expanded to cover many Cornish traditional tunes and songs, and will be of particular interest to readers of Cornish Trad. As well as a history and musical score, videos and recordings of tunes will be included where possible.
The CNMA are also looking for volunteer contributors. Find out how you can contribute.
As the Cornish National Music Archive project continues we will cover those developments here, and readers should certainly keep an eye on the CNMA blog.
