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Tag: irish

  • Irish music in pubs

    When people think of Irish music, perhaps the first image that springs to mind is of informal gatherings of musicians playing Irish music in pubs. Formed in a loose circle in a corner, playing lively traditional Irish jigs and reels, chatting and drinking pints of guiness. In short, it’s a pub ‘session’.

    But this idea of Irish music in pubs, the image of the pub session, is a relatively recent phase in Irish traditional music.

    “It [the Irish music session in a pub] has become such an all pervasive form of traditional music performance that it has led many to believe that it has a much longer pedigree than is actually the case” — Fintan Vallely, The Companion to Irish Traditional Music

    A history of the Irish pub music session

    Traditionally, Irish dance music was generally played solo up until the late 19th Century. But two important developments led to the notion of the pub session that we have today — and neither of them happened in Ireland!

    Playing Irish music in pubs as part of a Irish 'session'

    The first came from the United States. Although there is evidence of pub sessions in some regions of Ireland (e.g. Cork and Kerry) in the 1930s, ensemble playing as a form was influenced by the use of accompaniment for the early recordings of Irish music in America in the 1900s.

    The second, important, influence is that of the growing culture of music in Irish immigrant communities in London in the 1940s.

    The 20th century marked a significant era for Irish music in London, particularly within the vibrant pub culture that became a haven for musicians and patrons alike. As the Irish diaspora expanded due to economic hardship and political unrest in Ireland, London emerged as a focal point for Irish immigrants seeking community and cultural expression. While music in Ireland was often played in the home, in London pubs, serving as both social hubs and informal performance spaces, played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Irish musical traditions.

    In the middle of the 20th century, Irish immigrants flocked to London, with many settling in areas like Kilburn, Camden, and Islington. These neighborhoods quickly transformed into cultural enclaves where the Irish community could maintain their traditions and share their music. Pubs became vital spaces for gathering, where people could enjoy a pint while listening to the sounds of home. The atmosphere was often informal, with musicians playing traditional tunes on instruments like the fiddle, bodhrán, and accordion, providing a backdrop to lively conversations and dances.

    During the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of Irish music in London’s pubs surged, influenced by both the traditional Irish music revival in Ireland and the growing recognition of Irish culture abroad. The arrival of folk music movements, alongside an increasing interest in world music, helped to elevate the status of Irish traditional music. Notable pubs, such as The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington and The Ireland in Camden, became known for their regular sessions, drawing both Irish patrons and a diverse audience eager to experience the music.

    An amazing sense of the Irish music played in London’s pubs in the 1950s can be heard on the triple album “It was mighty!” The Early Days of Irish Music in London. An album of “rare recordings giv[ing] us a very privileged view of a unique community who lived this music. Here are some great musicians, some great tunes, and great warmth and humanity. At the time, it was often said, that there was much better Irish music to be heard in London than in Ireland. An overstatement, of course, but there was certainly more of it to be heard in London than anywhere else in the world.”

    These pub sessions were often characterized by spontaneous gatherings of musicians who would play together, sharing tunes and engaging in friendly competition. The concept of the “session” became integral to Irish music culture, allowing for a communal experience that fostered creativity and collaboration. And emigrants returning to Ireland brought the concept of the pub session back to the home land.

    Irish fiddle

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  • Irish fiddle

    The History of the Irish Fiddle

    An Irish fiddle
    An Irish fiddle

    The fiddle and the violin, while sharing the same physical structure as a four-stringed instrument played with a bow, are often seen as distinct entities due to their differing musical styles. The term “violin” typically evokes classical music, while “fiddle” conjures images of traditional and folk music. The Irish fiddle, a vital component of Ireland’s rich musical heritage, represents a unique evolution of this instrument.

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    A history of the fiddle

    The roots of the modern fiddle are intertwined with a long lineage of stringed instruments that date back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that bowed string instruments appeared in Europe as early as the 9th century. Notably, an excavated medieval bow in Dublin, dating to the 11th century, serves as one of the earliest examples of such instruments in the region. Furthermore, references to the “fiddle” can be traced back to the 7th century, suggesting its longstanding presence in Irish culture.

    The evolution of the violin, particularly as we understand it today, took shape in 16th-century Italy. This era saw the emergence of a more standardized form of the instrument, which was further codified in 1556 with the publication of Philibert Jambe de Fer’s Académie musicale. The modern violin’s design and construction began to influence the instruments played in Ireland, primarily introduced by Scottish and English settlers. However, the Irish fiddle was shaped not only by these influences but also by indigenous traditions such as the harp, bagpipes, and vocal music.

    By the 17th century, the fiddle became a popular instrument across the Irish countryside. An account from 1674 mentions fiddles being played in fields, with people dancing to the lively tunes. This illustrates the fiddle’s integral role in community gatherings and celebrations. The instrument was predominantly used for dancing, which is a characteristic shared across various fiddle traditions worldwide. The rhythmic quality of the music often catered to the social need for dance, leading to the development of lively, structured tunes that could easily be memorized and passed along through oral tradition.

    A traditional Irish fiddle style

    The Irish fiddle is marked by distinct regional styles, each contributing to the diverse tapestry of Irish traditional music. For instance, the Sliabh Luachra and Donegal fiddle traditions exhibit unique characteristics; others place particular emphasis on ornamentation—such as rolls and cuts—and a rhythmic quality known as “lilt.” This lilt, a combination of rhythmic bowing and slightly swung phrasing, creates a unique sound that is both danceable and expressive. The use of improvisation and variation, enhancing the clear structures of short, repeated tunes, further enriches the performance style.

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    The Complete Irish fiddler

    The practice of oral transmission is crucial in the preservation and evolution of Irish fiddle music. Players often learn by ear, passing tunes from one musician to another, which allows for regional variations to emerge while maintaining a core set of shared melodies. The interplay of different musical traditions, including those from Scotland, England, and other cultures, has led to a rich exchange of musical ideas, fostering a vibrant fiddle scene that remains dynamic today.

    In conclusion, the Irish fiddle embodies a rich historical narrative shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, community practices, and regional characteristics. As a symbol of Ireland’s musical heritage, it continues to thrive, captivating audiences with its lively tunes and intricate playing styles. Whether referred to as a fiddle or a violin, the instrument remains a testament to the enduring power of music to unite communities across time and space.