History of Irish Traditional Music

In 2008, the Ward Irish Music Archives will be developing and presenting an exhibit titled the History of Irish Traditional Music. Throughout the ages historians who visited Ireland have depicted the Irish as a musical and poetic people. This tradition continues today. It is an amazing fact that so many internationally known musicians, poets and writers have come from Ireland. But contrary to popular belief, Irish traditional music is not an 'ancient' music. Also most of its musical origins are not from Ireland. And with any discussion about Irish traditional music must explore its association with Irish dance. It is, and always will be, a music for dance.

The exhibit explores the origins of Irish traditional music. Most of this music's beginnings are actually in the eighteenth century. While the great Irish Harpists had been around since the tenth century, most of their music was related to airs or ballads. This was also an 'aristocratic' music and not necessarily music of the people.

Also, many of Irish traditional music's tune types are not Irish in origin. What we know as reels were originally Scottish in origin, as were the strathspeys. Hornpipes were of English origin. Polkas, waltzes, and mazurkas began in Eastern Europe.

So what's left is the jig. Breandán Breathnach states that "melodically, of course, the great bulk of our Irish jigs are native in origin. Some few are undoubtedly borrowed from the English, scarcely any from the Scots. The older ones may have been derived from ancient clan marches and songs, and some, perhaps, were adapted from older dance tunes. The vast majority, however, appear to have been composed by the pipers and fiddlers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries." Yet the term 'jig' is thought to be from the Italian word 'Giga,' a popular type of Italian dance music. Or the term may have come from England.

The exhibit also explores the influence that the Industrial Revolution had on the advancement of Irish traditional music. Also, the impact of Irish emigration to America and how Irish Americans continued their musical heritage by forming traditional music societies and clubs is investigated.

The History of Irish Music also looks at the history of the core instruments and regional styles in Irish traditional music. Great music collections such as O'Neill, Lynch, Petrie & Ryan are examined historically.

Also covered is the development of Irish traditional music from the early twentieth century through the present:

1900 - 1920: By the late 1800s the music was in full force, and great players such as Patrick Touhey and John McFadden toured the States.

1920 - 1930: In the 1920s the Golden Age of Irish Recordings saw great players such as Sligo fiddlers James Morrison, Michael Coleman & Paddy Killoran. Packie Dolan, Michael Gaffney and The Flanagan Brothers made unique and historical recordings during this heyday.

1930 - 1950: After the Public Dance Hall Act in 1935, the Ceili Bands in Ireland found great popularity. In fact, they still are an important element in Irish Traditional music, and the Kilfenora Ceili Band will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

1950 - 1970: In 1952 Sean O'Riada graduated from the University College Cork and began his long career of bringing Irish Traditional music to the masses. From 1961-1969 he led Ceoltoiri Chualann and out of this group the Chieftains were formed. The exhibit covers this era and also looks at the impact the folk boom had on traditional music in the 1950s and 1960s.

1970 - Today: The development of modern traditional Irish music bands and performers is explored. We'll also look at Celtic Rock and its use of traditional Irish tunes.

Today Irish traditional music is known throughout the world. Renowned artists and bands tour all the great venues and festivals. Each year new artists emerge with amazing skills. These artists are also not necessarily Irish. Great musicians of every race and color share the love and respect what is Irish traditional music.