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Irish Dance & Irish Music from ShopIrish.com
Whether you're Irish or not, there is something about the fantastic rhythms of Irish music that touches the soul and transcends the spirit. Many forms of Irish music have evolved over the centuries. For example, there is Sean-nós, or unaccompanied singing in the Irish language. Sean-nós can be further characterized by its three main styles which correspond to the three areas where Irish is still spoken as a community language; the Gaeltachtaí of Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Sean-nós is very traditional Irish music, though when most think of Irish music, it is not unusual to think of Ireland's instrumental music. For it is the sound and rhythms of the unique instruments used in Irish music that makes these compositions so memorable.
The common instruments used in much of Irish music are the fiddle, pennywhistle, uilleann pipes, accordian, mandolin, harp, hammered dulcimer and bodhrán. While the fiddle, or violin, is typically the mainstay of Irish music, the fretted instruments like the mandolin, guitar and Irish bouzouki (derived from the Greek bouzouki) are used for accompaniment or rhythmic backing. The pennywhistle, with its tin-like, high-pitched sound is probably the least expensive of the Irish instruments, but ironically one of the most difficult to master. In addition, the harps used in Irish music are commonly small enough to be played on one knee, differing from the large versions played in symphonies, but can at times be substituted with a hammered dulcimer, a stringed, trapizoid-shaped instrument played with hammers. The quieter, bellows-powered uilleann pipes are preferred in Ireland, over the Scottish bagpipes. Uilleann pipes have a chanter, keys, three or four drones, and regulators, which are extra pipes that play chords. However, smaller bands may use "practice sets" which have no drones or regulators. But the heartbeat of Irish music is the bodhrán. The bodhrán is a traditional drum made with a wooden frame and goatskin, and is played with a double-headed stick called a cipín, tipper, or beater.
These instruments provide the accompaniment to beautiful traditional ballads and pub songs still sung in Ireland. Songs such as Danny Boy, Wild Rover, Black Velvet Band and Boolavogue continue to be performed in pubs featuring live musical entertainment throughout the counties of Ireland. Moreover, Daniel O'Donnell, has demonstrated through his repertoire of Irish ballads, that traditional Irish music is still widely popular throughout Ireland and even here in America. But Irish music is not only touching to listen to - it's the foundation of Irish dance.
Irish dance has gained world-wide popularity with the success of first Riverdance, and more recently Lord of the Dance. The appeal has drawn young pupils to dancing schools throughout Ireland who wish to imitate these dancing styles. Yet, the history of dance in Ireland goes back thousands of years to ritual dances done by druids to honor the sun and the oak tree. As various peoples migrated to the region, Irish dance evolved. In 1569, Sir Henry Sydney wrote in a letter to Queen Elizabeth I that the Irish dancers he saw performing Irish jigs in Galway were very beautiful, magnificently dressed and first class dancers. In the 18th Century came the evolution of the dancing master. Each district had its own dancing master that taught dance to the peasants. They never encroached on another master's territory, but it was not uncommon for a dancing master to be kidnapped by the residents of a neighbouring parish. And when dancing masters met, it typically resulted in a challenge that ended only after one dropped in exhaustion. Thanks to Ireland's rich heritage involving dance masters, Irish dances such as reels, hompipes, sets, half sets, jigs and step dances developed several variations over the centuries. These Irish dances are still performed today.
So whether it's Irish music or Irish dance, ShopIrish.com (by Creative Irish Gifts) has the most fitting gifts for those who appreciate fine Irish heritage and culture. And your gift purchase today will not only enchant your recipient, but will financially support the Irish Children's Fund, Inc., the reason above all others Creative Irish Gifts is here to serve you. So please bookmark ShopIrish.com, and keep us in mind for:
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If it's Irish music CDs, Irish instruments, or Irish dance collectibles you seek, search no longer. You've found the the right place - ShopIrish.com by Creative Irish Gifts.
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