Page 31 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

A POR TR AIT OF IRELAND  29

Traditional Instruments
There is no set line-up in traditional Irish
bands. The fiddle is probably the most
common instrument used. Like the music,
some instruments, such as the uilleann pipes,
have Celtic origins.
The melodeon is a basic
version of the button
accordion. Both
these instru ments
are better suited to
Irish music than the
Traditional Irish dancing is currently piano accordion.
enjoying renewed popularity. From the
17th century the social focus in rural areas The uilleann pipes
was the village dance held every Sunday. are similar to
From these gatherings, Irish dancing bagpipes and are
became popular.
generally
considered to be
one of the main
instruments in Irish
traditional music.
The harp has been played
in Ireland since the 10th
century. In recent years,
there has been a keen
revival of harp playing in
Irish traditional music.

The banjo comes from the
Deep South of the US and
adds a new dimension to the
sound of traditional bands.

Tin whistle
Flute
The flute and tin whistle are among
Irish folk songs, the most common instruments used in
such as this one traditional Irish music. The latter is often
about the 1916 called the penny whistle.
Easter Rising, tend
to have a patriotic
theme. But some of
the most power ful The violin is
songs have been called a fiddle by
written not just most musicians. The
about the national style of playing and
struggle, but also sound produced varies
about hardship, from region to region.
emigration and
the longing for
the homeland.

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