THE BIRDS, THE BEES & THE CLAIRSEACH: Gender symbolism in Irish Mythology and Harp Tradition
Fascinating symbolism is revealed in remnants of the 1,000 year old clairseach tradition. Legends and stories punctuated by music make this an absorbing presentation for anyone with a serious interest in Celtic Spirituality.
THE PERFORMANCE OF GAELIC BARDIC POETRY
Gaelic poetry from three of the major tale groups - the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle and the Mythological Cycle - "chanted" and accompanied with the traditional vocal partner, the clairseach. Ann and Charlie fully explain their approach to putting music and lyrics together and establishing a harp accompaniment.
THE WELSH ROBERT AP HUW MANUSCRIPT AND GAELIC HARP TRADITION
The player of the clairseach was not the only harper who historically used fingernails to sound the strings and special techniques to damp unwanted resonance. It is increasingly apparent that players of all bray pin harps used similar techniques. The Welsh Robert ap Huw manuscript describes in detail such performance practice, and Ann delivers an intriguing examination of this fascinating music and comparison with Gaelic harp tradition, complete with live musical examples.
HISTORY AS PORTRAYED IN IRISH AND SCOTTISH BALLADS AND SONGS
Learn what Irish and Scottish ballads and songs have to say about those country's histories.