Medieval Music with a Celtic Fiddle: Irish Folk at Its Best
Contents
A review of the album “Medieval Music with a Celtic Fiddle: Irish Folk at Its Best” by Celtic Fiddle Music.
Celtic Music Defined
oday’s so-called “Celtic music” is a fairly recent phenomena, mostly a commercial construct designed to appeal to an international audience. It is a wide umbrella which covers anything with an Irish or Scottish connection, or anything that sounds a bit like it. But what’s the story behind the music? What is the true definition of Celtic music?
The Celtic Fiddle
The Celtic fiddle is a type of fiddle that is specifically associated with Celtic music. Although the term “Celtic fiddle” can technically be applied to any type of fiddle that is used to play Celtic music, it is most commonly used to refer to the type of fiddle that is commonly used in Irish folk music. The Celtic fiddle has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other types of fiddles, and it is this sound that has made the Celtic fiddle so popular in Celtic music.
A Brief History of Celtic Music
Celtic music is a genre of folk music that originated in the Celtic countries of Europe. The music is characterised by its use of the fiddle, as well as other traditional Celtic instruments. Celtic music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many modern musicians incorporating it into their work.
The Origins of Celtic Music
Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its origins in the cultures of the Celtic people. The genre is particularly associated with the countries of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, as well as the Celtic diaspora.
Celtic music is a distinct genre that emerged in the early Middle Ages. It is characterized by its use of Irish and Scottish Gaelic lyrics, as well as instruments such as the Irish flute, Scottish Highland bagpipes, and the Celtic harp.
Celtic music has undergone a revival in recent years, with many artists releasing contemporary versions of traditional songs. Celtic Woman is one of the most popular contemporary Celtic music groups, and their album A New Journey became the best-selling album of all time by a female group in any genre in 2006.
The Celtic Revival
The late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries saw a renewed interest in all things Celtic, with a particular focus on the music of Ireland and Scotland. This was partly due to a growing sense of national identity in both countries, as well as a desire to connect with a perceived “Golden Age” of Celtic culture. This period also saw the rise of the Romantic movement, with its emphasis on emotion and nostalgia, which further fueled the interest in Celtic music.
The most important figure in the Celtic Revival was probably Edward Bunting (1773-1843), an Irish musician and musicologist who collected and transcribed hundreds of traditional tunes. His work was continued by another Irishman, George Petrie (1789-1866), who collected even more tunes and also wrote several books on the history of Irish music. In Scotland, the most important figure was probably James Oswald (1710-69), whose airs were popularized by the Scottish composer Alexander Reid (1757-1813).
During the nineteenth century, many “Celtic” composers wrote works inspired by traditional tunes, including Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47), Frederic Chopin (1810-49) and John McLaughlin (1806-67). In Ireland, the most important composer of this period was probably Michael Balfe (1808-70), whose opera The Bohemian Girl became one of the most popular works of the nineteenth century.
The Celtic Revival continued into the twentieth century, with composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) and Gustav Holst (1874-1934) writing works inspired by traditional tunes. In Ireland, the most important figure in this period was probably Sean O’Riada (1931-71), who did much to promote traditional Irish music through his work as a composer, arranger and performer.
Today, Celtic music is more popular than ever, with performers such as Loreena McKennitt, Clannad and Riverdance keeping the tradition alive for new generations to enjoy.
Celtic Music Today
Celtic music is one of the most beautiful and inspiring genres of music. It has its roots in the ancient folk music of the Celtic people. Celtic music is characterized by its beautiful melodies, haunting tunes, and lush arrangements. It is often said that Celtic music is the music of the soul.
Contemporary Celtic Music
There are many different styles of Celtic music, and it has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries. Today, Celtic music is enjoyed by people all over the world, and there are a number of contemporary artists keeping the tradition alive.
If you’re looking for a modern take on Celtic music, there are a number of great artists to check out. Irish singer-songwriter Enya is one of the most popular contemporary Celtic musicians, and her ethereal voice and beautiful melodies have captivated fans around the globe. Other contemporary artists worth checking out include Loreena McKennitt, Mary Black, The Chieftains, and Clannad.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Celtic music or you’re looking for something a little more modern, there’s something for everyone in the world of contemporary Celtic music.
The Celtic Fiddle in Contemporary Celtic Music
The Celtic fiddle has been a staple of Celtic music for centuries, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. Today, many of the top Celtic bands include a fiddle player, and the instrument has become an essential part of the Celtic sound.
If you’re looking for a great introduction to contemporary Celtic music, check out some of the bands that feature a fiddle player. You’ll be sure to enjoy the lively, energetic sound of the Celtic fiddle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to experience Irish folk music at its best, look no further than a medieval music with a Celtic fiddle band. You will be enchanted by the beautiful melodies and the lively rhythms. Be sure to check out a band like this the next time you have the chance!
