History Extra podcast Smash hits: 17th-century style
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Apr 30, 2024 
Music historians Professor Christopher Marsh and Dr Angela McShane discuss the top 100 17th-century English ballads, exploring themes of love, politics, and dark tales. They delve into the commercial organization, accessibility, and cultural impact of these historical songs, highlighting famous ballad singers and the role of woodcuts in conveying narratives. The podcast also touches on a popular ballad inspired by the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas.
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Ballad Popularity and Trends
- 17th-century ballads were incredibly popular, similar to today's top 40 charts.
- New tunes drove trends, with writers reusing popular melodies for different songs.
Early Music Industry Structure
- The 17th-century music industry had a recognizable structure, similar to today's.
- Publishers promoted bestsellers, offering clues about past hits based on which ballads they acquired.
Impact of Printing Restrictions
- Printing restrictions in 17th-century London homogenized the ballad trade.
- This specialization boosted the industry, with ballad singers distributing songs from London throughout the country.