Amhránaíocht – Singing
Traditional singing in English, and amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós is solo unaccompanied singing: the singer sings a story, communicating with the listeners through their interpretation of both the melody and the lyrics. Interpretation in traditional singing is achieved through feeling and expression in the singing of the song, with subtle ornamentation where appropriate.
Amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós is intrinsically linked to the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Meath, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. Literally translated, the term ‘sean-nós’ means the ‘old way’ or ‘old style’ and distinguishes traditional singing in the Irish language from the classical style of the bardic tradition.
The style and technique of traditional Irish singing in English differs from individual to individual, from area to area, and from province to province. In general, Western styles are most elaborately embellished; Southern styles are well-ornamented but with an inclination to use variations of rhythm and phrasing for the effective telling of the story; and Northern singers usually have a distinctive Northern repertoire, singing with a well-accented style displaying tasteful nuances of rhythm and occasional grace notes; Eastern styles are generally direct and forthright with a minimum of decoration.
An opportunity to learn traditional songs and amhráin as Gaeilge presents itself at the singing classes at the summer school Scoil Éigse, preceding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Another popular and integral feature of the Fleadh Cheoil programme is the Singing Club/Club na nAmhrán where singers and those who want to hear singers, gather for an informal singing session.There is a repertoire of traditional songs agus amhráin i nGaeilge in the Abair Amhrán section of the quarterly Comhaltas magazine Treoir
One of the finest exponents of our traditional singing was Séamus Mac Mathúna, see a clip of him performing ‘Mo Ghile Méar’ with the James Last Orchestra, Dublin, 1986 below.
CCÉ publications and resources:
- Ag Múineadh na hAmhránaíochta Traidisiúnta- Teaching Traditional Singing
- A Bar of a Song (1989)
- Traditional Songs & Singers (1977)
- Amhráin Mhacarónacha – Macaronic Songs- Comhairle na Mumhan (2016) Book & CD
- In Song & Story- A Commemoration of Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916-2016 Compiled by Donnchadh Ó Cinnéide 2016
Anseo thíos is féidir roinnt alt a léamh ar amhránaíocht thraidisiúnta le Tomás Ó Maoldomhnaigh (Amhránaiocht ar an Sean-nós) agus le Séamus Mac Mathúna (One Song Leads to Another)