Irish Instrumental Folk Music to Relax and Unwind To
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Looking for some great Irish instrumental folk music to relax and unwind to? Look no further than our top picks! From traditional ballads to contemporary tunes, these tracks will have you feeling calm and refreshed in no time.
Irish Music Basics
If you’re looking to relax and unwind with some soft and soothing music, look no further than Irish instrumental folk music. This type of music is perfect for background listening and has a wide range of sounds and styles to choose from. Irish music is often very calming and relaxing, and it can be a great way to unwind after a long day.
The history of Irish music
Irish music has a history that goes back as far as the 12th century, when an Irish Harper, named Rory O’ More, wrote his name into the history books by becoming one of the first people to ever use musical notation. However, it is widely believed that the written history of Irish music really begins with the words of blind Irish harper and composer Turlough O’ Carolan. Born in 1670, in County Meath, O’ Carolan was one of the most prolific composers of his time, writing over 200 tune which are still widely played today.
While O’ Carolan was certainly a gifted composer, it is believed that his work would have been lost to history if it were not for another Irishman named Edward Bunting. A student of music, Bunting traveled throughout Ireland in the late 1700s and early 1800s, collecting and transcribing what would become over 3,000 tunes. These tunes were then published in The Ancient Music of Ireland (1840), making them available to future generations.
While Turlough O’ Carolan and Edward Bunting did much to preserve Irish music for future generations, it was another Irishman named Peadar O’ Caoimh who really helped to revive the popularity of traditional Irish music in the 20th century. O’ Caoimh was a member of The Chieftains, one of the most popular and well-known traditional Irish bands of all time. Formed in 1962, The Chieftains were at the forefront of the traditional Irish music revival movement of the 1960s and 1970s, helping to reintroduce traditional Irish music to a new generation.
The different instruments used in Irish music
Fiddle- The fiddle is the most prevalent traditional Celtic instrument. It is a string instrument played with a bow. You will often see fiddles being played in sessions.
Uilleann Pipes- Uilleann pipes are the characteristic national bagpipe of Ireland. They are suited for both indoor and outdoor playing.
Whistle- The whistle is a simple instrument that is easy to learn how to play. It has a clear and pure sound that can be heard over other instruments.
Flute- The flute is a beautiful sounding instrument that has a range of tones. This makes it perfect for playing slow airs.
Banjo- The banjo is a stringed instrument that has a bright and cheerful sound. It is often used in upbeat tunes.
Bouzouki- The bouzouki is a Greek instrument that has found its way into Irish music. It has a distinctive sound that adds depth to any tune it is played in.
The Best Irish Music to Relax and Unwind To
Irish music has a reputation for being lively and upbeat. But did you know that there’s a whole genre of Irish music that’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding? Irish instrumental folk music is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. From gentle ballads to lively jigs, this type of music is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“The Butterfly” by The Chieftains
This song is one of the most popular by The Chieftains, and for good reason. “The Butterfly” is a beautifully written instrumental folk song that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The melody is simple and soothing, and the overall atmosphere of the song is very calming. If you’re looking for a piece of Irish music to help you relax and unwind, this is definitely one to consider.
“The Foggy Dew” by The Chieftains
The Foggy Dew is a traditional Irish ballad that was first recorded in the early 1900s. The song tells the story of a young man who is killed in battle, and his girlfriend who is left behind to mourn him.
The Chieftains are an Irish musical group that was founded in the 1960s. The group has won six Grammy Awards and has been nominated for thirty-four others. In addition to their work in traditional Irish music, they have also worked with artists from a variety of other genres, including country music, rock music, and classical music.
“The Foggy Dew” is one of The Chieftains’ best-known songs, and it is often used as a symbol of Irish identity. The song has been covered by many other artists, including Sinead O’Connor, The Pogues, and Flogging Molly.
“The Parting Glass” by The Chieftains
The Parting Glass is a traditional Irish ballad that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The Chieftains’ version is a beautiful and haunting rendition of the song that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The Chieftains are an Irish folk music group that formed in the 1960s, and they are considered to be one of the most influential groups in the genre. The group has won six Grammy Awards and been nominated for dozens more.
The Best Irish Music to Get You Up and Dancing
If you’re looking for Irish instrumental folk music to relax and unwind to, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best Irish music to get you up and dancing. We’ll also be recommending some of our favorite Irish music to help you relax and wind down.
“The Irish Washerwoman” by The Chieftains
Formed in Dublin in 1962, The Chieftains are one of the best-known traditional Irish bands in the world. They have collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Van Morrison, Sting, and The Rolling Stones. “The Irish Washerwoman” is one of their most famous tracks, and is sure to get you up and dancing.
“The Wild Rover” by The Chieftains
Formed in Dublin in 1963, The Chieftains are a six-piece traditional Irish band who are considered to be one of the most influential groups in the genre. Over the course of their 50-plus year career, they have worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Van Morrison, Sting, and The Rolling Stones. “The Wild Rover” is one of their most well-known tracks, and is guaranteed to get you up and dancing.
“The Black Velvet Band” by The Chieftains
“The Black Velvet Band” is a popular traditional Irish folk ballad that tells the story of a young man who is lured away from his home by a beautiful girl, only to be caught and sent to jail. The Chieftains are one of the most renowned traditional Irish music bands and their version of “The Black Velvet Band” is sure to get you up and dancing.
