Irish traditional music and dance
A showcase from University College Cork Trad Society
Traditional music and dance permeates through Irish culture and forms an intrinsic part of society, with many young children learning instruments at home with family, where it is popular for gatherings (called a session or seisúin in Irish) of neighbours to come together and play music.
Origins of Irish music
This remains true to the origins of Irish music as a tradition of oral story-telling which today acts as bridge between the historic and modern Irelands.
The communal nature of the music remains evident today, where musicians can visit local bars and can even sit to play with 6-time Grammy winning artists - like at Matt Malloy’s of Westport. An example of this can be seen in last year’s 9-times Oscar nominated film “The Banshees of Inisherin”.
Instrumental focus
Irish traditional music (or “Trad”) consists of Instrumental pieces such as the flute, fiddle, accordion, and a harp. A harp, which is not only a traditional Irish instrument, but the symbol appearing on the national seal of the country itself.
Trad is often characterised by high-energy up-tempo music to inspire dancing called “jigs” or “reels”, but also includes some slower “laments”.
UCC Tradsoc showcase
Enjoy individual performances showcasing examples of some of the most common traditional instruments and styles: