A Closer Look At The Beautiful History of Celtic Music
Celtic music is a type of music that is originated from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The people who reside in these countries are identified as Celts, which is why their music is named as such.
Celtic music is often described as a kind of folk music with a uniquely distinct blend of tunes and lyrics. And today, it is played by performers not only in its countries of origin, but also in different parts around the world.
Read more as we are going to take a closer look at the beautiful history of Celtic music in today’s post.
Ancient Roots
The history of Celtic music can be traced back for centuries, particularly in the 1600s. And though the musical form may be somewhat similar to Middle Eastern music, Celtic music places a distinct melodic-rhythmic complexity. To be specific, the notes of the music go with the melodic flow. And the tunes are produced from traditional music instruments like the flute, fiddle, bagpipe, and accordion which solo parts are executed simultaneously throughout the music.
Celtic music is often played in celebrations of merrymaking like weddings and festivals, but it can also be played tenderly for a heartwarming depiction of subtle topics like a mother’s love to a child.
Types Of Musical Tunes In Celtic Music
There are various types of musical tunes in Celtic music, and these tunes are mainly of Scottish and Irish origin. The differences among these tunes are based on the rhythm, tempo, and the structure of music.
Dance Forms:
Jig – This form of tune has a faster tempo and the most recognizable type of “Irish music”. The timing is in 6/8.
Slip-Jig – This form of tune as a fast tempo with a timing of 9/8.
Reel – This form also very fast at 4/4 timing, but is more fluid as compared to other tunes. The only difference is the rhythmic accentuation.
Hornpipe – This tune can be in 4/4, 6/8, or 12/8, but the only difference is with the rhythmic emphasis than reels and jigs.
Slide – This form is quite similar to jig with a faster tempo as well.
Set – This form has a more “majestic” vibe that somewhat resembles to that of classical music.
Polka – This tune is often played in accordance to the Ceili tradition, which is an all-night dancing event.
Melodic Music Forms:
Air – It is a slow type of musical form that often includes harmonization.
Lament – It is melodic like an air musical tune with some elements of melancholy and sadness.
Peobracht – It is a form of slow Scottish music with long majestic elements of solo melodies from pipes.
Other Forms:
March – It’s a form of tune that has a military aspect with wide percussions at 2/4 timing.
Compositions By Turlough O’ Carolan – This form is based on the music of Turlough O’ Carolan, a blind Irish harpist in the late 1600s to early 1700s which are similar to other musical forms in terms of structure but also has some influences of Italian music.
Planxty – It a form of tune that is dedicated to a friend, nobleman, or a person of significant stature, which is also often classified as a tune of dedication.
Conclusion
Overall, the history of Celtic music is comprised of different cultural backgrounds and influences that we’ve developed over the years. And like other types of music, it also deserved to be recognized for its unique and unmatched quality that is typical to the geographical regions it originated.