Traditional Irish Music
The Chieftains
The Chieftains, based on Seán O’Riada’s Ceólteórí Chulann, have brought their brand of Irish music all around the world for many years,often mixing with the music of other countries, such as China, and Nashville, Tennessee. They have recorded many Cds and have collaborated with artists from world music, and pop and rock world, such as Elvis Costello, Kate Bush, and Van Morrisson.They have also recorded film music. The leader of the group is Uilleann Piper and whistler, Paddy Moloney. Matt Molloy is their flute player. They usually have 2 fiddle players, Martin Fay and Seán Keane, and until his death several years ago Derek Bell played Harp and Piano.
Regional Styles
Regional styles came into being because in the past Ireland was a remote, rural and poor country. Many musicians only heard the music of others in their locality and so were influenced to play similarly.Characterisitics that which determine styles include, phrasing, articulation, variation, favoured instruments and dance types and special performance techniques.
However, many players developed their own personal style of playing within these regions. Some regions have their own type of tunes they favour. e.g. The Sliabh Luachra area is famous for Polkas.
Regional styles became diluted, even extinct gradually during the last century. Developments in recording, transport and technology as well as urbanisation and globalisation have seen to that. Nowhere in Ireland is remote any more and it is possible to hear music from anywhere via Cd, mp3, video, internet etc. Influences are not always deliberate. Just by hearing other music, a musician becomes influenced.
However, many players developed their own personal style of playing within these regions. Some regions have their own type of tunes they favour. e.g. The Sliabh Luachra area is famous for Polkas.
Regional styles became diluted, even extinct gradually during the last century. Developments in recording, transport and technology as well as urbanisation and globalisation have seen to that. Nowhere in Ireland is remote any more and it is possible to hear music from anywhere via Cd, mp3, video, internet etc. Influences are not always deliberate. Just by hearing other music, a musician becomes influenced.