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 In
2008, the Ward Irish Music Archives will be developing and
presenting an exhibit titled the History of Irish Traditional
Music. Throughout the ages historians who visited Ireland
have depicted the Irish as a musical and poetic people. This
tradition continues today. It is an amazing fact that so many
internationally known musicians, poets and writers have come
from Ireland. But contrary to popular belief, Irish traditional
music is not an 'ancient' music. Also most of its musical
origins are not from Ireland. And with any discussion about
Irish traditional music must explore its association with
Irish dance. It is, and always will be, a music for dance.
 The
exhibit explores the origins of Irish traditional music. Most
of this music's beginnings are actually in the eighteenth
century. While the great Irish Harpists had been around since
the tenth century, most of their music was related to airs
or ballads. This was also an 'aristocratic' music and not
necessarily music of the people.
Also, many of Irish traditional music's
tune types are not Irish in origin. What we know as reels
were originally Scottish in origin, as were the strathspeys.
Hornpipes were of English origin. Polkas, waltzes, and mazurkas
began in Eastern Europe.
 So
what's left is the jig. Breandán Breathnach states
that "melodically, of course, the great bulk of our Irish
jigs are native in origin. Some few are undoubtedly borrowed
from the English, scarcely any from the Scots. The older ones
may have been derived from ancient clan marches and songs,
and some, perhaps, were adapted from older dance tunes. The
vast majority, however, appear to have been composed by the
pipers and fiddlers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries."
Yet the term 'jig' is thought to be from the Italian word
'Giga,' a popular type of Italian dance music. Or the term
may have come from England.
 The
exhibit also explores the influence that the Industrial Revolution
had on the advancement of Irish traditional music. Also, the
impact of Irish emigration to America and how Irish Americans
continued their musical heritage by forming traditional music
societies and clubs is investigated.
The History of Irish Music also looks
at the history of the core instruments and regional styles
in Irish traditional music. Great music collections such as
O'Neill, Lynch, Petrie & Ryan are examined historically.
Also covered is the development of Irish
traditional music from the early twentieth century through
the present:
 1900
- 1920: By the late 1800s the music was in full force, and
great players such as Patrick Touhey and John McFadden toured
the States.
- 1920 - 1930: In the 1920s the Golden
Age of Irish Recordings saw great players such as Sligo
fiddlers James Morrison, Michael Coleman & Paddy Killoran.
Packie Dolan, Michael Gaffney and The Flanagan Brothers
made unique and historical recordings during this heyday.
- 1930 - 1950: After the Public Dance Hall
Act in 1935, the Ceili Bands in Ireland found great popularity.
In fact, they still are an important element in Irish Traditional
music, and the Kilfenora Ceili Band will celebrate its 100th
anniversary next year.
- 1950 - 1970: In 1952 Sean O'Riada graduated
from the University College Cork and began his long career
of bringing Irish Traditional music to the masses. From
1961-1969 he led Ceoltoiri Chualann and out of this group
the Chieftains were formed. The exhibit covers this era
and also looks at the impact the folk boom had on traditional
music in the 1950s and 1960s.
- 1970 - Today: The development of modern
traditional Irish music bands and performers is explored.
We'll also look at Celtic Rock and its use of traditional
Irish tunes.
 Today
Irish traditional music is known throughout the world. Renowned
artists and bands tour all the great venues and festivals.
Each year new artists emerge with amazing skills. These artists
are also not necessarily Irish. Great musicians of every race
and color share the love and respect what is Irish traditional
music.
Come and enjoy the session as we take the
exhibit On the Road to the following festivals:
Dublin, Ohio
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kansas City, Missouri
Thanks to Caoimhín Mac Aoidh and the following website
for some information:
http://www.standingstones.com/irishem.html
  
  
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