The Traditional Irish Flute
Traditional Irish music would not sound the same without the wonderfully high notes that can only be produced by the Irish Flute.
They have long been a fixture in Irish music for centuries. Flutes were originally made of bone and these were made by simply carving holes into the bone to produce notes.
Natural progression saw the raw materials change to wood. In the 19th century a man named Theobald Boehm, who was a German inventor and musician made the first flutes out of silver and enlarged the holes and created them with padded stops, much like the flutes we see to-day.
Although to be honest the Irish much prefer to use the older wooden style flutes mainly because of the mellower sound the wooden flute produces.
The Irish flute produces a pure, mellow sound that can create an atmosphere totally unique to Ireland.
Popular melodies such as, “She moved through the Fair” or the world famous, “Danny Boy” are played so sweetly on the Irish flute and it’s a great example of the Irish peoples unique style and creativity, this is what gives so much pride to the native people.
The Irish flute can be played as part of a group or band or can be played solo either sounds amazing. It is a cheap instrument to make or buy and is easy to play so it is no wonder that wherever you go in Ireland you will not be too far away from somebody playing a lively jig on an Irish flute be it in a bar or even out in the street.
Padraig Swift on Flute with some Irish Jigs
From Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, Padraig Swift plays two jigs on concert flute. Padraig learned his music from Aishling McPhillips and Majella Bartley. More info and videos at http://comhaltaslive.ie
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