This course sets out to provide a wide-ranging overview of the Irish traditional musical repertoire, both vocal and instrumental. The Irish musical tradition was an aural tradition so we need to understand the background of the individual collectors, their strengths and weaknesses (notation, language, restoring lyrics and melodies). There is a particular focus on the wealth of collected, printed and recorded materials, and on the rich diversity of variants within individual collections. It will also consider the role and contexts of Irish traditional music in contemporary Irish society.
Issues of style, interpretation and arrangement will be explored in both the instrumental and vocal repertoire. The development of the bagpipes, clan marches, Irish scales and modes during the middle ages will also be discussed. There will be an appraisal of the sean-nós style of singing and regional variations throughout Ireland. As a performance- based course, students will be expected to perform examples of the repertoire discussed in class.
The objectives are twofold.
Firstly, it aims to develop the students' understanding of Irish traditional music, and of the main collections and publications of Irish music. The second aim is to provide students with expertise and performance experience in the vocal and instrumental repertoire, in a way that develops both melodic and harmonic awareness.
Core: Irish Traditional Stage 1
Option: No
Traditional repertoire: analysis and performance selections from 19th and 20th century collections and publications.
Vocal music/song types and arrangements.
Socio-historical issues relating to the music style and variation of this period.
Identifying the main characteristics of a variety of different styles.
Performance-based class with presentations, discussions and handouts.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |