Music of Ireland
Music in Ireland has always been popular since the first Harp was brought to the island many years ago and has played a huge part on shaping the Irish culture. What is unique about Irish Music is the different variations of style that is created such as Irish Celtic music better known as traditional Irish music, Irish rebel music, Irish dance music and even Irish rock.
So what makes music in Ireland so popular across the globe? To answer that one needs to really look at the history of Ireland and the Irish culture to see what influences played a factor in the creation of the artist’s music. Even some artists will state that influence may have come from country music or from other cultures across the globe.
With artists such as Van Morrison or the much loved family The Corrs
Traditional Irish & folk music.
Traditional Irish Music is what sets us apart from many other cultures across the world and with its unique sound one can quickly tell that it’s Irish Music being played. Also with traditional instruments such as the Harp or the bodhrán being played the unique music is created. Traditional Irish music is played by a variety of instruments such as the Bodhran (Irish drum), the fiddle, the flute, Uilleann Pipes and guitar among others.
A spin off from traditional music would be Irish folk music with singers like the brilliant Christy Moore or Irish Rovers, both of whom sing songs of life stories and even the history of the Irish. Other famous folk singers include Mary Black and Enya who both have a unique style to their music.
The Chieftains - The Dublin Reels
The Chieftains are a great example of an Irish traditional group who are talented musicans.
Irish dancing music
Dance music in Ireland can be of two things, either for Traditional Irish dancing or nightclubbing, for the young adults, for now we will only talk about our traditional side of things. Irish dancing really shot into the mainstream with the River Dance and brought great popularity for Irish dance music probably because of the fast paced songs and the difficulty the dancers faced in doing an Irish jig.
Celtic / Irish Rock music
More and more famous Irish bands from Ireland are becoming increasingly popular across the world and possibly because of the best rock band in the world U2. Other bands that has contributed to the Irish rock scene include the likes of Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, The Undertones and the more recent groups such as, The Cranberries or The Corrs who often mix Irish traditional music with rock.
Irish rebel music
Rebel Music in Ireland tell a story of historic events that happened in Ireland from battles with invaders to the hunger strikers and the troubles among many others. The lyrics of Irish rebel music are usually of a sad nature because of Irelands troubled past but they also celebrate some of the more happier events such as the victories of times that have passed. It must be noted that the there is a difference in Rebel and today's Republican music which is a different discussion altogether.
Just like traditional music the bodhrán would be used among other instrument such as the flute, tin whistle and the guitar.
