Irish Folk Music
Megan McCarthy
English 101
Research Paper
December 3, 2006
Irish Folk Music
A “punctuated equilibrium” is a term used by biologists in reference to a “theory that claims that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change” (“punctuated equilibrium”). The origin of Irish music seems to have occurred in a similar fashion. Music in general can touch many areas of our lives. We have an endless array of purposes for music today; to grieve the loss of a loved one, to celebrate marriage or birth, to graduate from an educational institution or simply to create a feeling in ourselves such as nostalgia when we hear a certain tune. Like species of animals, Irish music has evolved over many centuries, fighting back from the oppression of England, inspiring love songs and dances, helping church goers express their faith and continuing on today to influence popular music on an international level. There was no instant when a harp was owned by all the townspeople in sight, nor did the invention of the harp create a genre of music to get itself heard. The origin of Irish music was much more like the music itself, slowly evolving with grace and patience in the face of adversities. Farthest back in Irish music history we find that “In ancient Ireland the systems of law and medicine, (among others) were set to music, being poetic compositions” (Flood 1). As early in time as the 3rd century the Irish harp was referred to in writing (Flood 18). Since these ancient origins, Irish music has evolved and become of the most celebrated musical genres in existence. One impetus has been political. “In 1893 there was a revival in interest in Irish music that was closely linked to Nationalist calls for independence” (Music 2). Irish independence from Britain took a few years, but the interest in Irish culture weathered the storm through that period. In the 1960’s and 70’s, there was yet another revival.
English 101
Research Paper
December 3, 2006
Irish Folk Music
A “punctuated equilibrium” is a term used by biologists in reference to a “theory that claims that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change” (“punctuated equilibrium”). The origin of Irish music seems to have occurred in a similar fashion. Music in general can touch many areas of our lives. We have an endless array of purposes for music today; to grieve the loss of a loved one, to celebrate marriage or birth, to graduate from an educational institution or simply to create a feeling in ourselves such as nostalgia when we hear a certain tune. Like species of animals, Irish music has evolved over many centuries, fighting back from the oppression of England, inspiring love songs and dances, helping church goers express their faith and continuing on today to influence popular music on an international level. There was no instant when a harp was owned by all the townspeople in sight, nor did the invention of the harp create a genre of music to get itself heard. The origin of Irish music was much more like the music itself, slowly evolving with grace and patience in the face of adversities. Farthest back in Irish music history we find that “In ancient Ireland the systems of law and medicine, (among others) were set to music, being poetic compositions” (Flood 1). As early in time as the 3rd century the Irish harp was referred to in writing (Flood 18). Since these ancient origins, Irish music has evolved and become of the most celebrated musical genres in existence. One impetus has been political. “In 1893 there was a revival in interest in Irish music that was closely linked to Nationalist calls for independence” (Music 2). Irish independence from Britain took a few years, but the interest in Irish culture weathered the storm through that period. In the 1960’s and 70’s, there was yet another revival.