The Best Irish Folk Music for Mandolin
Contents
Looking for the best Irish folk music for mandolin? Look no further than this list of top tunes from some of the genre’s most talented musicians. From traditional ballads to upbeat reels, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your mandolin and get ready to play!
Irish Folk Music
Whenever St. Patrick’s Day comes around, everyone wants to listen to Irish music. There are many different types of Irish music, but the best music for mandolin is Irish folk music. This genre of music is perfect for mandolin because it is upbeat and has a lot of energy. Irish folk music is also very catchy and will get stuck in your head.
What is Irish Folk Music?
Irish folk music is the traditional music of Ireland. It is played on a variety of traditional instruments, including the tin whistle, fiddle, Uilleann pipes, and bodhrán. Irish folk music has been influenced by many other genres, including rock and roll, pop, and jazz.
The Origins of Irish Folk Music
Irish folk music has its origins in the traditional music of Ireland. This music was passed down orally from generation to generation and was eventually written down and codified in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was also during this time that many of the classic Irish folk songs were composed.
Irish folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, and bodhran. It often has a light, upbeat feel to it and is often played at lively events such as dances and festivals.
One of the most famous Irish folk songs is “Danny Boy,” which was composed in 1913 by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly. The song is about a young man who is leaving his homeland to seek his fortune in America. It has been covered by many artists over the years and is still popular today.
If you’re interested in learning more about Irish folk music, there are plenty of resources available online and in libraries. You can also find many recordings of traditional Irish music to listen to.
The Instruments of Irish Folk Music
The instruments of Irish folk music are the guitars, violins, flutes, mandolins, penny whistles, accordions, bodhrans, and of course, the ever-present Irish fiddle. The Irish fiddle is a must in any house where Irish folk music is played and it is the most commonly heard instrument in Irish pubs the world over. The bodhran is a hand-held drum which is also very common in Irish music.
Guitars, violins, flutes, mandolins, penny whistles, accordions, and bodhrans are all typical instruments used in Irish folk music.
The Best Irish Folk Music for Mandolin
Irish folk music is a genre of music that is often associated with the mandolin. The mandolin is a stringed instrument that is played with a pick. It has a distinctive sound that is often used in folk music. Irish folk music is often upbeat and lively, and it often features traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and flute.
“The Blacksmith”
“The Blacksmith” is a traditional Irish folk song that dates back to the 18th century. It tells the story of a blacksmith who falls in love with a young woman, but she is already married to someone else. The blacksmith is so heartbroken that he decided to move away and start a new life. This song is often played on the mandolin, and it is a great way to learn about the history of Irish folk music.
“The Butterfly”
“The Butterfly” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been adapted and popularized by many artists over the years. The song is about a young girl who is trying to learn how to play the mandolin. The song is also known by its Irish title, “An Bonnán Bui”. The song has been recorded by many artists, including the Chieftains, Clannad, and Mark Knopfler.
“The Cliffs of Moher”
“The Cliffs of Moher” is one of the most popular Irish folk songs, and is often played on the mandolin. The song is about the magnificent cliffs that line the coast of Ireland, and is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
“Danny Boy”
“Danny Boy” is a ballad set to an ancient Irish melody. The words were written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly and usually sung in a sad, melancholy tone. The song is often associated with loss, particularly the loss of a loved one.
“Danny Boy” has been covered by many artists over the years, both in Ireland and abroad. Some of the most notable versions include those by Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, and Belfast-born singer Van Morrison.
The mandolin is a stringed instrument of the lute family, typically with four courses of doubled metal strings tuned in unison. It is widely used in folk music, especially Irish folk music.
“Danny Boy” is a popular choice for mandolin players due to its simple but effective melody. The tune can be played on any type of mandolin, although it sounds best on a tenor or plectrum mandolin.
“The Irish Washerwoman”
“The Irish Washerwoman” is a traditional Irish folk song that is often played on the mandolin. The song is about a woman who is washing clothes in a river and is interrupted by a man who asks her to dance. The woman agrees, and the two of them dance around the river until they reach the shore.
“The Minstrel Boy”
“The Minstrel Boy” is a patriotic Irish ballad written by Thomas Moore. It is one of the most famous and well-loved Irish folk songs, and has been performed by many artists over the years. The song is about a young boy who dreams of becoming a minstrel (a musician or singer) and going off to fight in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Though he is killed in battle, his spirit lives on in the music he loved.
The mandolin is a traditional Irish instrument, and “The Minstrel Boy” sounds beautiful when played on it. If you are learning to play the mandolin, this is a great song to start with.
“The Rose of Tralee”
“The Rose of Tralee” is a folk ballad written by English songwriter Chauncey Olcott in 1875. The song is about a young woman who is forced to leave her home in Ireland to find work in America. Olcott based the song on an Irish legend about a young woman named Mary O’Leary, who was forced to flee her home during the Irish Potato Famine.
The song became a huge hit in both Ireland and America, and has been recorded by many artists over the years. The most popular version of the song was recorded by Irish singer Dubliners in 1967.
There are many different versions of “The Rose of Tralee”, but all of them tell the same basic story. The young woman in the song is forced to leave her home and family behind, and she eventually finds work in America. Despite all of the hardships she faces, she never forgets her home in Ireland.
“The Rose of Tralee” is one of the most famous and well-loved Irish folk songs. If you’re looking for some great Irish music for your mandolin, this is definitely a tune you should learn!
“The Star of the County Down”
“The Star of the County Down” is one of the best known Irish folk songs, and is often played on the Mandolin. The song is about a young man who falls in love with a girl from County Down, and is sung from his perspective. The song has been covered by many artists, including Van Morrison, The Pogues, and The Dubliners.
“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”
“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” is a classic Irish ballad that has been recorded by many artists over the years. The song was written by Ernest Ball and Chauncey Olcott in 1912, and became a huge hit for Olcott himself when he recorded it in 1913. The song has since been covered by artists such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Barry Manilow, among many others.
The song is about the happiness that comes from being in Ireland, and the beautiful Irish landscapes that are so often mentioned in Irish ballads. The lyrics talk about the Emerald Isle being a land of happiness and love, and how everyone who visits falls in love with it. The chorus of the song includes the iconic line “When Irish eyes are smiling, they steal your heart away”, which has become one of the most well-known lines in all of Irish music.
If you’re looking for a classic Irish ballad to mandolin along to, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” is a great choice. The melody is relatively simple, but it’s still a beautiful tune that will make you feel like you’re in Ireland even if you’re just listening to it at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a great variety of Irish folk music for mandolin players of all levels of experience. Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy way to get started, or a seasoned player looking for a challenge, there is sure to be something on this list that is perfect for you. So get out your mandolin and get ready to enjoy some truly beautiful Irish music.
