Instrumentation

Instrumentation in Irish traditional music refers to the use of specific instruments to create the unique sound of this genre. Here's a guide to the main instruments, their roles, and how they contribute to the traditional Irish sound.

Instruments

Fiddle

• Description: Similar to a violin but played in a traditional Irish style, often with ornamentation.
• Role: Lead melody instrument, capable of playing fast reels, jigs, and slow airs.
• Techniques:
  • Bowing patterns for rhythm and flow.
  • Ornamentation like rolls, cuts, and triplets.
• Famous Players:
  • Michael Coleman
  • Martin Hayes

Flute

• Type: Wooden concert flute (not the modern silver flute).
• Role: Melody instrument with a mellow, breathy tone.
• Techniques:
  • Rolls, crans, and slides for embellishment.
  • Use of breathing for phrasing.
• Famous Players:
  • Matt Molloy
  • Kevin Crawford

Tin Whistle

• Description: A small, inexpensive wind instrument made of metal or plastic.
• Role: Often a beginner's instrument but also used professionally.
• Techniques:
  • Fingering to create ornamentation like cuts and taps.
  • Light, airy sound is perfect for jigs and reels.
• Famous Players:
  • Mary Bergin
  • Joanie Madden

Uilleann Pipes

• Description: The Irish bagpipes, are played with a bellows rather than blown by mouth.
• Role: Provides melody, drones, and regulators for harmony.
• Unique Features:
  • Softer and more versatile than Scottish bagpipes.
  • Can play legato passages and staccato rhythms.
• Famous Players:
  • Seamus Ennis
  • Paddy Keenan

Accordion and Concertina

• Accordion:
  • Button or piano accordion.
  • Loud, rhythmic, and capable of playing both melody and chords.
• Concertina:
  • Smaller, with a more delicate sound.
  • Ideal for fast, intricate melodies.
• Famous Players:
  • Joe Cooley (Accordion)
  • Noel Hill (Concertina)

Harp

• Description: The national symbol of Ireland; used historically by bards.
• Role: Melody and accompaniment; often used for airs and slow tunes.
• Famous Players:
  • Turlough O'Carolan (historical)
  • Laoise Kelly (modern)

Bodhrán

• Description: A hand-held drum with a goatskin head, played with a stick or fingers.
• Role: Provides rhythmic accompaniment.
• Techniques:
  • Use of a tipper (stick) to create varied rhythms.
  • Changes in pitch by pressing on the drum skin.
• Famous Players:
  • Johnny "Ringo" McDonagh
  • John Joe Kelly

Guitar and Bouzouki

• Guitar:
  • Played in a percussive style to accompany melodies.
  • Often uses open tunings (e.g., DADGAD).
• Bouzouki:
  • Greek-origin string instrument adapted for Irish music.
  • Provides rhythmic accompaniment and occasional melody.
• Famous Players:
  • Donal Lunny (Bouzouki)
  • Paul Brady (Guitar)

Exam Tips

• Be familiar with the sound and role of each instrument—listening practice is crucial.
• Learn specific features or ornamentation techniques associated with each instrument.
• Prepare examples of famous players to demonstrate knowledge in essays or short-answer questions.
• Highlight the importance of the ensemble, noting how instruments complement each other.