Book description
The history of Irish traditional music, song and dance from the
mythological harp of the Dagda right up to Riverdance. Exploring an
abundant spectrum of historical sources, music and folklore, this
guide uncovers the contribution of the Normans to Irish dancing, the
role of the music maker in Penal Ireland, as well as the popularity of
dance tunes and set dancing from the end of the 18th century. It also
follows the music of the Irish diaspora from as far apart as
Newfoundland and the music halls of vaudeville to the musical tapestry
of Irish America today.
Dr Gearoid O hAllmhurain is an Irish historian and anthropologist
specialising in ethnomusicology and currently lecturing at the
University of San Francisco. A leading authority on the history of Irish
traditional music, he is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with
several All-Ireland titles on concertina and uilleann pipes to his
credit.
