Irish Instruments Revision

The Fiddle

♪This is the same instrument as the violin

♪It is held under the chin or against the chest, shoulder or arm

♪Like the violin it is played with a bow

♪This has been used for dance music since at least the 18th century

♪It is a very popular, widely used instrument

Famous player: Frankie Gavin

The Flute

♪There are many different types of flutes used.

♪This vary from the single-keyed to the modern fully-keyed instruments.

♪The traditional flute is made from wood

♪It has a warm soft tone.

♪The flute is particularly adept at ornamentation

Famous player: Matt Molloy

The Tin Whistle

♪References to the whistle (feadan) go back to ancient times.

♪Two types of whistle are most common (though others are available)

♪These are the C and D whistle (The letters refer to the key of the whistle)

♪Much traditional music is played in keys of one or two sharps, thus the D whistle is used for group playing.

Famous player: Mary Bergin

The Uilleann Pipes♪The Irish pipes (distinct from the Scottish bagpipes)

♪emerged in the 18th century.

♪As the name suggests the uilleann pipes are plyed from the elbow

♪One elbow pumps the bellow, pushing the air through a reed at the top of the chanter producing the sound.

♪The melody is played on the chanter

♪Three regulators provide simple chordal accompaniment

♪Three drones sound a continuous unchanging accompaniment

Famous player: Liam O’ Floinn