Irish Music
Ireland is famous for its folk music, which has influenced musical styles in both the British Isles and across the globe.
Ireland is famous for its folk music, which has influenced musical styles in both the British Isles and across the globe.
Bardic Traditions of Gaelic Ireland
Ireland’s musical tradition dates back to the Celtic era around 2,500 years ago. The Gaelic Celts who came to dominate the island brought with them the music of regions such as India, Egypt, Phoenicia, and Iberia. Their oral culture used music and poetry to preserve information for generations. Highly trained poets and musicians, now known as bards, served in clan courts. Music made up only a small part of the full druidic education. Depending on their rank, bards and filidh also served as historians, seers, poets, and advisors to their lords. They were an essential part of each Gaelic court and could ruin reputations as quickly as they made them.
The bardic tradition mostly came to an end with the Gaelic aristocracy in the 1600s. Without the Gaelic courts to support them, the bards were left to wander as traveling musicians. Certain musicians have continued their art to the present day. The harpist Turlough O’Carolan, sometimes known as the last Irish bard, died in 1738.
Traditional Irish Instruments
The harp, fiddle, Uilleann, flute, tin whistle, and Bodhrán drums represent the heart of Irish folk music. The oldest instrument and national symbol of Ireland is the Celtic harp. The harp was the instrument of the bards and, by extension, of the Gaelic lords and their courts. Despite its recent prominence in Irish music, the fiddle did not enter popular use until the 18th century. Similar bowed instruments have, however, been played since medieval times. The Irish bagpipe, or Uilleann, developed from much larger Irish warpipes. It is a relative of the Scottish Great Highland bagpipes, though smaller and more versatile. The Uilleann pipes are notable for their use of bellows for more efficient playing.
Other instruments have come into favor within the last two centuries. A modern Irish band may include the following instruments, among others:
Fiddle
Uilleann Pipes
Flute and Tin Whistle
Bodhrán Drum
Banjo
Concertina
Guitar
Piano
The Irish also recognize the voice as a standalone instrument. Sean-nós singers specialize in solo performances of elaborate songs with shifting melodies. These songs may be tragic, romantic, or comedic, depending on the setting. This tradition stretches back to at least the medieval period, though its roots are likely much older.
Irish Dance
Irish music often accompanies dancing. Modern dance customs developed from the 17th century on. They were influenced by English round dances and later the Quadrille. Early communal dances grew into the well known hornpipes, reels, and jigs. Sean-nós dancing, like the singing style, is typically performed solo and with a similar emphasis on improvisation. Step dancing, perhaps the most popular Irish dance today, was born out of this tradition. Unlike sean-nós, step dancers keep their upper bodies rigid while dancing. Sean-nós, meanwhile, values a dancer’s ability to remain in one place throughout the steps. Dancers may wear hard or soft shoes based on song and personal preference.
The Irish Folk Music Revival
The decline of the bards opened up new avenues of Irish musical expression. After several centuries of repression, the island’s music became a point of national pride and a rallying cry for independence. Historians and music lovers alike began gathering up Irish tunes and recording them for posterity. Activists organized music and dance competitions to keep their customs alive. As a result of their efforts, Irish music flourished in the 20th century. Modern Irish bands like U2, the Dubliners, and the Pogues have found international success.
Irish Music Abroad
The Irish diaspora carried many Irish families away from their homes in search of greater opportunity. The carried their music with them, blending it with the styles of their new homes. In the United States, for example, Irish music mingled with African rhythms, hymns, and instruments like the banjo. It has played a major role in the development of genres such as country, blues, bluegrass, and rock and roll. Irish musical traditions can still be seen in modern American bands like Flogging Molly or the Dropkick Murphys.
References
Brennan, Helen. The Story of Irish Dance. Roberts Rinehart. 2001.
Dowling, Martin. Traditional Music and Irish Society: Historical Perspectives. Routledge. 2016.
Moore, Rick. “Greens And Blues: The Long Arm of Irish Music.” American Songwriter, ForASong Media, 6 Aug. 2015, americansongwriter.com/2015/08/greens-blues-long-arm-irish-music/.
Williamson, Robin. English, Welsh, Scottish & Irish Fiddle Tunes. Oak Publications. 1976.
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