Richard, I agree that " but folk music is not dependent on bel canto virtuosity.". If Plácido Domingo was able to enter the feeling and soul of folk songs, he would surely sing very well and would be far more pleasant than most voices that we hear frequently. If he wanted to transform a folk song into an aria, that would sound ridiculous.

The point is to "educate" our voices to get profit out of them, to extend our range and/or improve brightness, avoid nasal and rough sound, and keep our voices healthy, being able to sing smoothly for hours without effort. Beyond that, we may sing in the style we like.

And perhaps be gladly surprised because we can enter other fields, for example old traditionals, black spirituals, European music in general, brilliant Italian and Spanish songs, romantic French songs, and a whole world of good music.

Un abrazo,
Andrés (in Buenos Aires)