Irish music…
St. Paddy’s Day is here! While many celebrations would (and should) remain at home, this is the day when everyone becomes Irish, enjoying real whiskey that’s thrice-distilled, and avoiding that twice-distilled and smoky-flavored Scotch or the mouthwash-tasting bourbon; a Guinness stout, Killian’s or Smithwick’s red ale; corn beef and cabbage (although that’s basically an American invention); and tea, neither high nor low, and pastries. Let’s forget about the ethnic stereotypes—Irish cops and drunks, for example. You’ll find Irish people all over the world doing multiple things. And let’s learn a bit o’ Irish history, which is long and complex, with Celts, Normans, Britons, and Vikings contributing to it.
The Irish musical heritage is also rich. Consider this a poor review of that wonderful tradition. I’ll refer to my own music collection in the following. Readers can add their favorites in the comments. First some artists:
Máire Brennan
Celtic Women (when they sing Irish songs!)
Phil Coulter
Turlough O’Carolan
Next some songs:
The Fields of Athenry
The Star of the County Down
The Wild Rover
The Rare Old Times
Danny Boy
Black Velvet Band
Goodbye Johnny Dear
Seven Drunken Nights
Liverpool Lou
This music isn’t all jigs and ballads either. Some Irish music is mystical or religious (Brennan’s, for example). Some are bawdy or raunchy and might remind US tourists of pubs they visited in Eire. They all are examples of the Irish’s love for song, music, and dance.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Stay safe; drink responsibly.
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Comments are always welcome.
Around the world and to the stars! In libris libertas!
