Yes recorded but not in active use. The best preservation is in the minds of the people. Libraries are destroyed, computers crash, books deteriorate.

Would having more songs, ballads and others in the minds of the people hurt or help? I believe it would help.

People do things that they consider to be important. Entertainment is important and people are taught to value it. They can also be taught to value things for other reasons- heritage, antiquity, meaning. Being entertained is only one way of reflecting on the music.

Some national anthems are unsingable yet people continue to struggle with the singing for heritage reasons......

Conrad