Celtic Folk Music to Liven Up Your Day

Discover the joys of Celtic folk music, from the history and origins of the genre to the best contemporary bands keeping the tradition alive.

Celtic Folk Music Basics

Celtic folk music is a genre of music that is rooted in the traditional music of the Celtic cultures. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and its distinctive melody and harmony. Celtic folk music has a rich history and has been influenced by many different cultures.

What is Celtic Folk Music?

Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed out of the traditional music of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe. It is a vibrant, living tradition that has been constantly evolving since its inception.

Celtic folk music encompasses a wide range of styles, from the lively jigs and reels of Ireland and Scotland to the slower airs and ballads of Wales and Cornwall. Celtic music also includes the work songs, sea shanties and whisky-soaked anthems of the Gaelic-speaking people of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The Celtic folk tradition has been deeply influenced by the music of other cultures, including English, American and European classical music. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Celtic Folk Music, with many young musicians taking up the tradition and expanding it in new and exciting directions.

The History of Celtic Folk Music

Celtic folk music has a long and storied history dating back centuries. It is a genre that is steeped in tradition and has been passed down from generation to generation. Celtic folk music is typically characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipes, flute, and drums. It often has a fast-paced, upbeat tempo and is known for its lively melodies.

Celtic folk music originated in the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. These countries have a rich Celtic heritage and their folk music reflects that. Celtic folk music has been influenced by many other genres over the years, including English and Scottish ballads, French chanson, and even American country music.

While Celtic folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world, it still remains an important part of the cultural identity of the Celtic countries. In Scotland, for example, Celtic folk music is often played at traditional events such as weddings and funerals. It is also frequently heard in pubs and bars throughout the country. If you find yourself in one of these establishments, don’t be afraid to join in the fun and sing along!

The Instruments of Celtic Folk Music

There are many different types of Celtic folk music, and each one has its own unique sound. The most common instruments used in Celtic folk music are the fiddle, the flute, and the bodhran. The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow, and the flute is a wind instrument that is played by blowing into it. The bodhran is a percussion instrument that is played with a stick.

The Fiddle

The fiddle is a string instrument that is typically played with a bow. It is a very popular instrument in Celtic folk music, and is often used in traditional Irish and Scottish music. The fiddle has a range of different sounds that can be produced, depending on how it is played. For example, the sound of the fiddle can be very fast and lively, or slow and melodic.

The Bagpipe

The bagpipe is a musical instrument with a long history and a significant place in Celtic music. It consists of a bag of air, usually made from animal skin, with a blowpipe for filling the bag, and one or more pipes leading from the bag. The player controls the airstream with his or her mouth and blowing into the blowpipe, and uses the fingers of one hand to open or close holes in the pipes to create notes. The most common type of bagpipe in Celtic music is the Scottish Highland Bagpipe, which has a chanter (the main pipe that produces melody) and three drone pipes (added for harmony).

The Harp

The Irish or Celtic harp is a wire-strung musical instrument used for playing traditional music. It is known for its unique, mellow sound. The harp has a very long history and was mentioned in early Irish myths and legends. Today, the Celtic harp is used in folk music, as well as classical and jazz music.

The harp has a triangular shape and is usually made of wood. It has two rows of strings, one for the bass notes and one for the treble notes. The strings are plucked with the fingers to create the music. The harp is a very portable instrument and can be easily carried from one place to another.

The Celtic harp has a beautiful, tranquil sound that can transport listeners to another place and time. If you’re looking for an instrument to liven up your day, look no further than the Celtic harp!

The Celtic Folk Music Revival

In the past few years, Celtic folk music has made something of a comeback. What was once the music of an isolated, rural people has become the soundtrack to a global movement. Celtic folk music is the perfect way to liven up your day.

The Celtic Folk Music Revival of the 1960s

In the 1960s, there was a Celtic Folk Music Revival. This was a time when people were interested in traditional Celtic music and culture. Many people started to play traditional instruments, such as the fiddle and the bagpipe. They also began to sing traditional songs in Gaelic, the language of the Celts. The revival of Celtic Folk Music helped to preserve traditional Celtic culture.

The Celtic Folk Music Revival of the 1990s

The Celtic Folk Music Revival of the 1990s brought traditional folk music from Ireland and Scotland back into the mainstream. Many people were exposed to this type of music for the first time through popular films such as “The Wicker Man” and “The Beach”. The popularity of Celtic Folk Music has grown steadily since then, with many people now enjoying it as a relaxing and uplifting genre.

Celtic Folk Music Today

Celtic folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s still as popular as ever. This type of music is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little bit of excitement to their day. Celtic folk music is known for its upbeat tempo and lively melodies. If you’re looking for something to liven up your day, Celtic folk music is the perfect choice.

The Celtic Folk Music Scene in Ireland

Celtic folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both in Ireland and around the world. This is thanks in part to the efforts of traditional Irish bands like The Chieftains, The Dubliners, and The Clancy Brothers, who have helped to keep the music alive.

In Ireland, Celtic folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages and can often be heard played in pubs and restaurants. It is also a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

There are many different types of Celtic folk music, including Irish traditional music, Scottish traditional music, Cape Breton music, and Galician music. Each type has its own unique history and sound.

If you’re interested in learning more about Celtic folk music, there are plenty of resources available online. You can also check out some of the great Celtic folk bands that are currently touring Ireland.

The Celtic Folk Music Scene in Scotland

Scotland has a vibrant Celtic folk music scene, with many traditional and contemporary bands playing at festivals and venues across the country. There are also several radio stations dedicated to Celtic folk music, including BBC Radio Scotland’s Con Brio show.

If you’re interested in Celtic folk music, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you want to listen to traditional tunes or modern takes on the genre, there’s something for everyone.

The Celtic Folk Music Scene in Wales

Celtic folk music has been enjoying a renaissance in Wales in recent years. This is largely due to the work of a new generation of young musicians who are passionate about keeping the tradition alive.

The Welsh folk music scene is vibrant and thriving, with many bands and artists performing at festivals and venues across the country. If you’re looking for some traditional Celtic folk music to liven up your day, here are some of the best Welsh bands to check out.

The Sherman’s March are one of the most exciting new bands on the Celtic folk scene. Hailing from Cardiff, they blend traditional instruments with modern influences to create a unique and innovative sound.

Gwynfryn is a five-piece band from north Wales who specialise in traditional Welsh Folk music. Their lively performances always get audiences on their feet, and they have a reputation for being one of the best live bands around.

CALAN are an award-winning sextet who bring together the traditional sounds of Wales with a contemporary twist. Their infectious melodies and toe-tapping rhythms are sure to get you up and dancing.

Griffiths & Armour are a duo from Snowdonia who combine stunning vocalharmonies with superb guitar playing. Their lively stage presence and dynamic performances make them one of the most popular acts on the circuit.

So there you have it – five of the best Welsh Celtic folk bands to enjoy today. Whether you’re attending a festival or just want some great music to listen to at home, these artists are sure to fill your day with joy.

Celtic Folk Music Festivals

Celtic folk music is the music of the Celtic people, which originated in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany. The music is a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. Celtic folk music is often accompanied by instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, penny whistle, and Celtic harp.

The Belfast Celtic Folk Festival

The Belfast Celtic Folk Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The festival was founded in 2012 by musician and folklorist Liam Carney.

The festival features a wide range of Celtic folk music, including traditional Irish, Scottish, and Breton music. There are also workshops on various aspects of Celtic culture, such as traditional dance, Gaelic language lessons, and opportunities to try out traditional instruments.

In addition to the music and cultural workshops, the Belfast Celtic Folk Festival also hosts a number of other events, such as ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances), storytelling sessions, comedy nights, and film screenings.

The Glasgow Celtic Folk Festival

The Glasgow Celtic Folk Festival is a celebration of Celtic culture and music that takes place in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival features a wide range of traditional and contemporary Celtic folk bands, as well as workshops, stalls, and food and drink from Scotland and beyond.

The festival takes place over three days in early November, and tickets are available for purchase in advance or on the day. The Glasgow Celtic Folk Festival is a fantastic event for anyone interested in Celtic music, culture, and history.

The Cardiff Celtic Folk Festival

The Cardiff Celtic Folk Festival is an annual celebration of Celtic folk music and culture, held in the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The event attracts folk musicians and fans from all over the world, and features a wide variety of traditional and contemporary Celtic music.

The festival was first held in 2006, and has grown steadily in popularity ever since. It now takes place over three days in late May or early June, and features a wide range of events including concerts, ceilidhs (traditional Scottish/Irish folk dances), workshops, sing-a-longs, children’s activities, and more.

If you’re a fan of Celtic folk music, or just looking for a lively and fun-filled weekend away, the Cardiff Celtic Folk Festival is well worth a visit!