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Celtic music is a wide and sometimes ambiguous concept, since it consists of the traditional music developed in the Celtic countries (besides those from the United Kingdom, also Brittany – France and Galicia – Spain) and also the new modern music, influenced somehow by the traditions from these regions. This genre has as an ancestor folk music of Eastern Europe, and refers not only to orally transmitted songs, but also to many other hybrids. There are strong differences between the ancient Celtic songs (whether they belong to Irish music or Scottish music) and the modern ones, but the similarities have the same base. However, there is a series of musicians and songs which have shaped the Celtic culture and nobody can deny their contribution and importance. Danny Boy
“Danny Boy” is a traditional folk ballad, associated in most cases with the Irish communities. Originally part of the “Londonderry Air”, the lyrics of the song were translated in English by the songwriter and lawyer Frederic Weatherly, in 1910. The words were adjusted later, after his Irish sister-in-law sent him a modified version, in order to be sung on the rhyme and meter of the new version of “Londonderry Air”. The song knew celebrity while sung by Elsie Griffin, becoming one of the most popular songs of the 19th century to be recorded in 1915. Many meanings have been associated to this song, out of which the most common is that of a parent singing to his son who is going to war. Mairi’s Wedding
Also known as Marie’s Wedding or Lewis Bridal Song, this is a folk song originating in Scotland, written by John Roderick Bannerman, as a dedication to Mary C. MacNiven for winning the gold medal at the National Mod. The lyrics were translated a year later into English by Hugh Robertson, and has gained an unexpected popularity, shaping the Scottish music that and has been taught in schools for decades. The ballad describes the atmosphere at Mairi’s wedding: the arrival of guests, the way the bride looks, the best wishes of the ones invited: health, comfort, wellbeing and many children. Amazing Grace
The song was written by John Newton, and was first published in 1779, as a Christian hymn. The main message is a religious one, and tries to convince everybody that forgiveness and redemption can be achieved regardless of the sins committed, while the mercy of God is said to be the only one which can heal a haunted soul. This is one of the most famous songs in the English-speaking countries, and has become an icon for the American culture, being encountered in various fields, including many marketing campaigns (in the souvenirs industry), and movie making (The Simpsons, Superman). Celtic music is nowadays referring to music from Scotland and Ireland, both styles having different styles influenced by each other, and well-known all around the world. The only difference between them is somehow political, since Ireland has promoted independently its values after gaining its independence. If you want to listen to Celtic music or if you are looking for Irish songs, please check these links.
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Irish music, Scottish music,
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