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The Revival of Irish Traditional Music
Were it not for the composer, writer and musician it as deserving of attention and praise. Ó Riada re-
pioneer, Seán ‘O Riada, born one “John Reedy”, contextualised the Irish traditional idiom by placing his
Irish Traditional music may not occupy the pivotal ground breaking Ceoltóirí Chualann on a stage wearing
role it carries today. Just as memory ceases to become neck ties- after the fashion of Classical music.
collective memory as stories stop being passed down Today Ireland’s traditional music is a worldwide industry
through generations. The practice of playing traditional with a wide variety of artists growing from strength to
music was frowned upon and associated with the poor strength. To experience the atmosphere and magic that
of the wild atlantic seaboard until a revival took shape accompanies Ireland’s music, seek out the local session.
in the mid 20th Century. Seán ‘O Riada, a classically These range from relaxed affairs featuring slow airs or
trained musician, took an unprecedented u-turn in his may pack an energy that will set you dancing! Ireland
own personal life. Ó Riada was not content to simply is full of musicians, and Ireland’s music is an essential
continue in the vein of imitation – seeking approval element in the appreciation of Ireland’s culture. Check
from the outside alone and the locating of one’s own out this years Oireachtas or Feis in Sligo to experience
self-expression from within the accepted vocabularies of the full range of Irelands young musical talent.
the centrally progressive. As John Reedy he moved his On the world stage, “Riverdance” was an international
family to rural Gaeltacht region of Baile Mhuirne and phenomenon showcasing Ireland’s rich musical heritage,
changed his name to Seán Ó Riada – reclaiming a voice cultural roots and feisty character. Today a supergroup
for Ireland and also planting a seed of future cultural named “The Gloaming” and combining traditional
development. Through his decisive act, Ó Riada paved a Irish music with the Jazz piano of Thomas Bartlett are
way for countless Irish people to follow his example and pushing the boundaries in this surging tide of tradition.
return to their roots. The group also includes the traditional singer Iarla
Ó Lionaird of the Cork Gaeltacht of Baile Mhuirne
who was first recorded by Seán O’ Riada as a boy of
14 singing the haunting “Aisling Geal” - Bright Vision.
Listening we can travel to realms of the timeless, these
are tunes that have had their affect on human hearts
and minds for hundreds of years. A journey to take you
through patient appreciation to a child like wonder.
Seán O' Riada
It was largely through the personal efforts of Seán Ó The Gloaming
Riada(born John Reedy), and with his score for the
film, Mise Eire( “I am Ireland”) in particular, that Irish Seanfhocail (Old Saying)
Traditional music rose to popularity among the general Is foigneach fear gan fearg.
Irish public. Mise Éire documents the rise of Ireland A man who doesn’t get angry is
from British colony to Nation State through use of
archival footage. For the films’ soundtrack, Ó Riada used a patient person.
the traditional song airs of Ireland, scored for orchestra.
As Ireland had no film industry at home at that time,
Mise Éire became a great source of national Pride. Ó
Riada became a household name and what was once a
marginalized culture took centre stage.
Seen in the context of World Music, ‘O Riada re-
framed the visual of Irish Traditional music, showing
170
Were it not for the composer, writer and musician it as deserving of attention and praise. Ó Riada re-
pioneer, Seán ‘O Riada, born one “John Reedy”, contextualised the Irish traditional idiom by placing his
Irish Traditional music may not occupy the pivotal ground breaking Ceoltóirí Chualann on a stage wearing
role it carries today. Just as memory ceases to become neck ties- after the fashion of Classical music.
collective memory as stories stop being passed down Today Ireland’s traditional music is a worldwide industry
through generations. The practice of playing traditional with a wide variety of artists growing from strength to
music was frowned upon and associated with the poor strength. To experience the atmosphere and magic that
of the wild atlantic seaboard until a revival took shape accompanies Ireland’s music, seek out the local session.
in the mid 20th Century. Seán ‘O Riada, a classically These range from relaxed affairs featuring slow airs or
trained musician, took an unprecedented u-turn in his may pack an energy that will set you dancing! Ireland
own personal life. Ó Riada was not content to simply is full of musicians, and Ireland’s music is an essential
continue in the vein of imitation – seeking approval element in the appreciation of Ireland’s culture. Check
from the outside alone and the locating of one’s own out this years Oireachtas or Feis in Sligo to experience
self-expression from within the accepted vocabularies of the full range of Irelands young musical talent.
the centrally progressive. As John Reedy he moved his On the world stage, “Riverdance” was an international
family to rural Gaeltacht region of Baile Mhuirne and phenomenon showcasing Ireland’s rich musical heritage,
changed his name to Seán Ó Riada – reclaiming a voice cultural roots and feisty character. Today a supergroup
for Ireland and also planting a seed of future cultural named “The Gloaming” and combining traditional
development. Through his decisive act, Ó Riada paved a Irish music with the Jazz piano of Thomas Bartlett are
way for countless Irish people to follow his example and pushing the boundaries in this surging tide of tradition.
return to their roots. The group also includes the traditional singer Iarla
Ó Lionaird of the Cork Gaeltacht of Baile Mhuirne
who was first recorded by Seán O’ Riada as a boy of
14 singing the haunting “Aisling Geal” - Bright Vision.
Listening we can travel to realms of the timeless, these
are tunes that have had their affect on human hearts
and minds for hundreds of years. A journey to take you
through patient appreciation to a child like wonder.
Seán O' Riada
It was largely through the personal efforts of Seán Ó The Gloaming
Riada(born John Reedy), and with his score for the
film, Mise Eire( “I am Ireland”) in particular, that Irish Seanfhocail (Old Saying)
Traditional music rose to popularity among the general Is foigneach fear gan fearg.
Irish public. Mise Éire documents the rise of Ireland A man who doesn’t get angry is
from British colony to Nation State through use of
archival footage. For the films’ soundtrack, Ó Riada used a patient person.
the traditional song airs of Ireland, scored for orchestra.
As Ireland had no film industry at home at that time,
Mise Éire became a great source of national Pride. Ó
Riada became a household name and what was once a
marginalized culture took centre stage.
Seen in the context of World Music, ‘O Riada re-
framed the visual of Irish Traditional music, showing
170
