Celtic Folk Music: The Best Instrumental Songs
Celtic folk music has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Today, the best Celtic folk songs are enjoyed by people all over the world. This type of music is characterized by its beautiful melodies, often played on traditional instruments like the fiddle, bagpipe, and harp. If you’re looking for some of the best Celtic folk songs to add to your collection, look no further!
Celtic Folk Music Basics
Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed out of the folk music of the Celtic people of Western Europe. It is a distinct genre within Celtic music, which is a branch of Celtic music. Celtic folk music is a fusion of traditional music, music written by Celtic composers, and music influenced by Celtic culture.
What is Celtic Folk Music?
Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed out of the traditional music of the Celtic people. Celtic folk music is a broad category that includes a wide variety of subgenres, including Irish folk music, Scottish folk music, Welsh folk music, Manx folk music, Cornish folk music, and Breton folk music.
Celtic Folk Music History
The history of Celtic Folk Music can be traced back to the times of the Celts, a group of Indo-European peoples who spoke Celtic languages and inhabit present-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany (France), Cornwall (UK), the Isle of Man, and parts of Northern Spain and Northern Italy.
The Celtic people were known for their love of nature and their strong belief in magic and mythology. Many of the songs and tales that have been passed down through the generations reflect these beliefs. The Celts were also known for their skill in warfare, and many of their songs reflect this as well.
As Christianity began to spread through Europe, the Celtic people began to adopt many of the Christian beliefs and practices. This is reflected in the songs and stories that have been passed down through the generations. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Celtic culture, which has led to a renewed interest in Celtic Folk Music.
Where did Celtic Folk Music originate?
There are many theories regarding the origins of Celtic Folk Music. Some say that the music originated with the ancient Celts, while others believe it has its roots in the music of the British Isles. However, there is no definitive answer as to where Celtic Folk Music began. What is known for sure is that Celtic Folk Music has been a part of the British Isles for centuries, and it has had a significant impact on the music of both Ireland and Scotland.
Who are some popular Celtic Folk Music artists?
Some of the most popular Celtic folk music artists include Loreena McKennitt, James Galway, The Chieftains, and The Corrs.
Celtic Folk Music Songs
Celtic Folk Music can refer to the music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany. Celtic Folk Music is a type of music that is meant to be relaxing and has a slower tempo. This music often has happy and upbeat melodies. Celtic Folk Music often uses traditional instruments such as the fiddle, penny whistle, and the accordion.
“The Water is Wide” by Loreena McKennitt
This haunting melody by Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt is based on a traditional Scottish ballad. The song tells the story of a young man who is separated from his true love by the cold, deep waters of the river.
“The Butterfly” by The Chieftains
“The Butterfly” is a tune by The Chieftains. It is track two on the album Celtic Folk Music: The Best Instrumental Songs. This tune is lively and upbeat, featuring the sound of the Irish flute.
“The Foggy Dew” by The Dubliners
One of the most well-known Celtic folk music songs, “The Foggy Dew” was written by Canon Charles Kickham in 1874 and has been covered by many different artists over the years. The lyrics tell the story of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, Ireland, when a group of Irish rebels fought against British rule. The Dubliners’ version of the song is a lively, upbeat instrumental that features traditional Irish instruments like the tin whistle and bodhran drum.
“The Minstrel Boy” by The Clancy Brothers
The Minstrel Boy is a ballad written by Thomas Moore. It is about a young man who dies fighting for Ireland during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song has been recorded by many artists, but it is most associated with the Clancy Brothers. In their version, they use the traditional Irish instrument called the bodhrán.
“Danny Boy” by Celtic Woman
“Danny Boy” is a ballad written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly and usually set to the Irish tune of the “Londonderry Air”. It is about a man who is leaving to go to America and will never see his loved ones again. The song has been recorded by many artists, but the most popular version was recorded by Celtic Woman.
