Irish Classical Music- A Genre Worth Discovering

Many people are familiar with Irish traditional music, but Irish classical music is a genre that is often overlooked. This blog post explores the history and beauty of Irish classical music, and why it is a genre worth discovering.

What is Irish Classical Music?

Irish classical music is a genre that is not as well known as other genres such as Irish traditional music or Celtic music. However, it is a genre that is definitely worth discovering.

Irish classical music encompasses a wide range of styles and period, from the early Baroque era to the present day. It is characterized by its use of traditional Irish instruments such as the harp, fiddle, and pipes, as well as its incorporation of traditional Irish folk tunes.

One of the most famous Irish classical composers is Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738). O’Carolan was a blind harper who compose over 200 pieces of music, many of which are still popular today. Other notable Irish classical composers include Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), whose work was influenced by his time spent in Ireland, and Michael William Balfe (1808-70), who is best known for his opera The Bohemian Girl.

Irish classical music has been gaining in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of contemporary composers such as Anne Dudley (b. 1956) and Brian Byrne (b. 1977). If you’re looking for something different to add to your musical collection, be sure to check out some Irish classical music!

The History of Irish Classical Music

Irish classical music is a genre that is often overlooked. It has its roots in the classical music of Europe, but it has been influenced by traditional Irish music and other genres as well. This makes it a unique and interesting genre worth discovering.

Early Irish Classical Music

The history of Irish classical music is often said to begin with the founding of the Dublin Philharmonic Society in 1815. This society, which was open to amateurs and professionals, quickly became a focal point for musical life in the city and gave many concerts featuring both local and visiting performers. Among the most important early members of the society were Michael Balfe, who would go on to become one of the leading opera composers of the 19th century, and John Field, a pianist and composer best known for his nocturnes.

The Modern Era of Irish Classical Music

Themodern era of Irish classical music began in the early 20th century with a strong nationalist current running through the work of many composers. This was in keeping with Ireland’s struggle for independence from Britain at the time. The most famous composer of this period was Sean O’Riada, who is credited with creating a new Irish classical music style by fusing traditional Irish music with contemporary European art music. O’Riada’s work had a profound influence on subsequent generations of Irish composers such as Brian Boydell, Gerald Barry and Alwynne Pritchard.

Since the 1990s, there has been a renewed interest in indigenous Irish musical traditions and their incorporation into contemporary classical music. This has led to the emergence of a number of exciting young composers such as Garrett Sholdice, Jennifer Walshe and Matthew Whiteside, who are successfully forging new directions for Irish classical music.

The Characteristics of Irish Classical Music

Irish classical music is a genre that is not well known outside of Ireland. It is a shame because it is a beautiful and expressive genre that is worth discovering. Irish classical music is usually related to Celtic music, but it is its own distinct genre. It is characterized by its use of traditional Irish instruments, its focus on melody, and its use of improvisation.

The Melody

The melody of Irish classical music is often described as singable, sometimes even catchy. This is one of the things that sets it apart from other types of classical music, which can sometimes seem inaccessible to the average listener. Irish melodies are frequently built on simple phrases that are easy to remember, making them ideal for singing along to. This singability is often enhanced by the use of repetition, which allows the listener to easily catch on to the tune.

The Harmony

The chords in Irish classical music are mostly made up of triads- three notes played together. The basic type of chord is the major triad, which consists of a root note, a note two steps above it (the third), and a note four steps above it (the fifth). For example, the C major chord contains the notes C, E, and G. However, Irish classical musicians often use chords that are not major triads, such as minor triads, seventh chords, and ninth chords. Seventh chords contain four notes- the root, third, fifth, and seventh. A minor seventh chord would be written as m7 (for example: Amin7 or Dm7). A dominant seventh chord would be written simply as 7 (for example: G7 or B7). A ninth chord contains five notes- the root, third, fifth seventh, and ninth. These chords can be written as 9 (for example: C9 or F9), or they can be dominant ninth chords, which are written as 7#9 (for example: G7#9 or D7#9).

In addition to using different types of chords, Irish classical musicians also use different types ofharmonies. The most common type of harmony is tonal harmony, which is based on the major and minor scales. In tonal harmony, chords usually progress in one of two ways- either by moving up or down the scale (called scale degree progressions), or by following specific harmonic progressions(such as I-IV-V-I or I-vi-ii-V-I). Other types of harmony that are sometimes used in Irish classical music include atonal harmony (which is based on chromatic scales), modal harmony (which is based on modes instead of scales), and drone harmony (which uses sustained notes called drones).

The Rhythm

Irish classical music is characterized by its unique rhythmic patterns. This is due in large part to the influence of traditional Irish music, which has a very different rhythmic structure from other European music genres. Because of this, Irish classical music often has a “lilt” or “swing” to it that can be quite infectious. This is one of the things that makes Irish classical music so fun to listen to!

The Popularity of Irish Classical Music

Irish classical music is a genre that is relatively unknown compared to other classical music styles. Nevertheless, it is a genre worth discovering. Irish classical music is a unique blend of traditional Irish music and classical music. This blend creates a beautiful and haunting sound that can be enjoyed by everyone.

In Ireland

Irish classical music is a genre of Western art music that has been developed in Ireland. It is distinctively Irish in character and has had a significant influence on the development of other genres of music, such as Celtic rock and Celtic punk.

Irish classical music is rooted in the traditions of Irish folk music, but it also incorporates elements of European classical music. Irish composers such as Turlough O’Carolan and Michael William Balfe were influenced by the sounds of Italian opera, while others such as Charles Villiers Stanford and John Field drew inspiration from German Romanticism.

The popularity of Irish classical music has grown in recent years, thanks in part to the work of contemporary composers such as Join Day and Sean O’Loughlin. In Ireland, there are now a number of professional orchestras and choirs dedicated to performing this genre of music.

Internationally

Irish classical music is a genre that has been gaining popularity internationally in recent years. The term “Irish classical music” is used to describe a particular style of classical music that has its roots in Ireland. This type of music is characterized by its use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the bodhran, fiddle, and tin whistle, as well as its use of traditional Irish musical forms.

Although Irish classical music has been around for centuries, it only began to gain international recognition in the early 21st century. This was due in part to the success of Riverdance, which popularized Irish music and dance on a global scale. In recent years, there have been a number of Irish classical musicians who have achieved success both in Ireland and abroad. Some of these musicians include Michael Dulin, Ciaran Hope, David O’Rourke, and Finghin Collins.

Irish classical music has been described as “uplifting” and “energetic.” It often makes use of traditional Irish folk tunes, and its melodies are oftencatchy and memorable. The genre is also known for its use of ornamentation, which gives it a unique sound that is different from other types of classical music.

If you are looking for something new to listen to, Irish classical music is a genre worth discovering.