Irish music & folklore

Irish music & folklore

Irish music, what about it?

COOL FACT:

The Irish harp is the only musical instrument in the world used as a national symbol 🎵

• Preserves History & Culture

• Gives Ireland a Strong Sense of Identity

• Brings People Together

• Influences Modern Music & Pop Culture

• It Is a Source of Emotion & Expression

Characteristics

II

STYLE

II

RHYTHMS

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INSTRUMENTS

Music and Dance types

Folk songs and ballads

Influence and evolution

Dance types

Irish Folklore & Mythology

Their influence today

Modern Music Influences

Festivals & Events

Pop Culture & Literature

Conclusion

In conclusion, irish music and folklore have had a great impact on today's pop culture and music production, not only for it's appeal, but also for their unique essence; thanks to it we can now enjoy some huge hits such as Zombie by the Cranberries or real blockbusters as Harry Potter

Thanks four your attention!

Irish traditional music is known for its modal melodies and rich ornamentation, including trills, cuts, and rolls, which add expressiveness. Musicians often play by ear, improvising decorations rather than following strict sheet music. This gives the music a fluid and dynamic character.

Irish traditional music features distinctive rhythms, including jigs (6/8), reels (4/4), and hornpipes (4/4 with swing). These rhythms create a lively and energetic feel, especially in dance tunes. The music's pulse and flow are essential, often played with a strong sense of drive and syncopation.

Many of these forms of music and dance have influenced other genres, such as American bluegrass and Celtic fusion music.

Loreena McKennitt is a Canadian singer, piano, and harp player of Scottish and Irish descent. Song: The Mummers' Dance

The Chieftains are an Irish traditional music band, founded in Dublin in 1963, Song: Mo Ghile Mear

Webgraphy

• https://irishstoryteller.com/irish-music/the-influence-of-irish-music-on-american-country-and-folk/?
• https://www.connollycove.com/the-irish-influence-on-american-folk-music
• https://www.boston.gov/news/celebrating-irish-american-heritage-boston
• https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Irlanda

U2 is a rock band from Dublin formed in 1976, with great hits such as With or Without You or Beautiful Day.

The Cranberries were an Irish alternative rock band that was active from 1989 to 2019, with hits like Zombie and Sunday

"The Secret of Kells" (2009), an animated film based on Irish folklore, incorporates the Book of Kells and other mythical creatures into its plot. "Song of the Sea" (2014), another critically acclaimed animated film, focuses on Irish mythological beings such as selkies (seal people).

"Game of Thrones", many of the mythical creatures and the ancient history of Westeros are inspired by the rich Celtic mythologies of Ireland. "Harry Potter" the book draws on many mythological influences, including Irish creatures like the banshee and leprechauns.

Irish traditional music uses a variety of unique instruments, each contributing to its distinct sound. The fiddle plays expressive melodies with rich ornamentation, while the tin whistle adds a bright, piercing tone. The bodhrán, a frame drum, provides rhythmic drive, and the uilleann pipes offer a smooth, emotive sound. Other instruments like the harp, concertina, and bouzouki also play important roles.

The Fleadh Cheoil. It is the most important traditional Irish music festival in the world. Its name in Gaelic means "Music Festival." Music competitions, music and dance sessions, among other events, take place here.

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It is celebrated on the night of October 31st to November 1st and is considered the precursor to Halloween. The Celts believed that on this night the veil between the world of the living and the dead thinned, allowing spirits to return. To protect themselves, they lit sacred bonfires, wore costumes, and left food offerings.

Traditional Irish music includes many narrative songs that tell stories of love, battles, mythology, and everyday life.

Famous example:

• Molly Malone

• The Wild Rover

• Danny Boy

They are usually performed acappella (known as sean-nós) or with instrumental accompaniment.

Leprechauns

The Banshee

The Púca

Possibly the most renowned character in Irish folklore, leprechauns are playful fairy cobblers who protect pots of gold. If captured, they could grant three wishes, but they always manage to deceive their captors!

A ghost whose sorrowful cry is believed to predict death. She is frequently characterized as a fair woman with long hair, wearing white or gray, occasionally observed brushing her hair. The banshee doesn't bring death—she merely alerts to it.

A creature that can change its form to resemble a horse, dog, rabbit, or even a person. At times mischievous, at times malevolent, the Púca is recognized for misguiding travelers or providing them with thrilling journeys under the night sky

Connection Between Music & Folklore

Many Irish songs are inspired by these myths and legends. Ballads often tell stories of love, betrayal, war, and magic. For example: * The Song of Wandering Aengus is based on an Irish myth about a god searching for his lost love. * Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile is a rebel song, originally linked to pirate queen Grace O'Malley, a legendary Irish leader.

Step Dancing: Solo dance with quick footwork and rigid torsos, typical of dance competitions.

Set Dancing: Similar to ceili, but more influenced by European court dances.

Ceili Dancing: Group dancing in specific formations (circles, lines, squares), very social and festive.

The Children of Lir

The Salmon of Knowledge

Tir na nÓg

This tale tells how four royal siblings were transformed into swans due to their jelous stepmother. They were doomed to wander the lakes of Ireland for 900 years before being liberated at last. Itsymbolizes loss and resilience in Irish culture.

Tír na nÓg is a mystical land where time stands still, and no one ages. A young warrior named Oisín fell in love with a fairy woman, Niamh, and traveled with her to Tír na nÓg. After what felt like only a few years, he returned home. But when he returned he turned old.

Finn McCool became very wise after tasting the Salmon of Knowledge by accident. His mentor caught the magic fish and told him to cook it but not eat any. While cooking, he burned his thumb and put it in his mouth, gaining all the world’s knowledge.