MUE 5034 IRISH SONG-HISTORY AND PRAXIS
Traditional song in both Irish and English languages continues to serve as a cornerstone of traditional arts in Ireland. These songs offer a parallel narrative to the long and contested history of this Celtic Nation. Topics would include: 1) Irish history through traditional song in the Irish lanugage (sean-n243s), English language (Hiberno English), and macaronic songs (mixed language), 2) song macrotypology (lays, ballads, new ballads ("come-all-yes"), lyrical songs, religious songs), 3) song microtypology (topics, such as work songs, love songs, immigrant songs, etc.), 3) song structure (scales, form), 4) ornamentation, 5) improvisation, 6) composition, 7) folk revival and song as a transnational medium, and 8) fusion and world beat. I have many recordings to share with students, including such established singers as Seosamh 211 h201ana237, Iarla 211 Lionaird, Lillis 211 Laoire, Len Graham, Frank Harte, Karan Casey, Niamh Parsons, Susan MacKeown, et al. The notion of "folk pedagogy" would lead to the transmission (teaching and learning) of several songs in the class. Many recordings, both from the field and produced, will be experienced. Films (cinema productions, documentaries, and concert productions) will be presented to illustrate traditional music making from Ireland to New York. A song circle, a brand of c233il237, will end the course.