Celtic Music The Music of Ireland

Where is Ireland?

What kind of Instruments do they use? Bodhran Harp Fiddle Uilleann Pipes Accordion

What kinds of Music do they play? REELS = Dance music in 4/4. The melodies are mainly made up of quaver notes. JIGS = Another type of dance music in 6/8 which is very lively. AIRS or LOVE SONGS = often written about their love of Ireland and their hometown.

Danny Boy – or Londonderry Air. This is a very famous piece of music from Ireland. It tells the story of a boy named Danny who is being called back home to Ireland as his father is dying. It is a very poignant and emotional song.

The Lyrics Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the leaves are dying 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow 'Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so. And when ye come, and all the flow'rs are dying If I am dead, as dead I well may be Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me And oh, my grave shall warmer, sweeter be For ye will bend and tell me that you love me And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

Performance Project You are going to have a go at playing the melody from Danny Boy on the keyboards. On the cards in front of you there are the notes you need for both the left and right hand parts of the music. Start with the right hand part and see if you can play it.

Listening Example What kind of music do you think this is? Either: (A) A Reel (B) A Jig or (C) An Air/love song. 2. What instruments can you hear?

Performance Project Continuing with your Danny Boy Performances. Finish learning the melody for the right hand. Try the left hand part if you are working in pairs. See if you can put both parts together. We will hear some performances at the end of the lesson

Your Final Performance of Danny Boy I will hear all of you perform today. If you are working in pairs I want to hear both left hand and right hand parts. If you are performing alone I will hear just the right hand part.