TRADFEST INTERACTIVE

Trad

Traditional - the tradition music, song and dance of Ireland.

Fest

Festival - a celebration of Irish traditional arts.

Hup

An expression of delight, usually 'let-out' at the highest point of the tune.

Yip

An alternative to Hup!

G'wan

A message to the musicians to keep going.

Rise it

Shouted in time with the music.

Mighty

Shouted along with vigorous applause.

Reel

This is the most popular type of tune played. It is also the fastest of the dance music. The emphasis is on the first and third beat in the bar. It sounds like; Cat-er-pill-ar, Cat-er-pill-ar, Cat-er-pill-ar.

Jig

Like reels, jigs usually have two parts. The first part is usually played twice and then the second part is played twice. It sounds like; rashers and sausages, rashers and sausages, rashers and sausages.

Slides and Polkas

Popular for dancing sets and are most common in Kerry and Sliabh Luachra on the Cork / Kerry border.

Hornpipe

The hornpipe has a 'hoppy' rhythm whereas the reel has a straighter rhythm. Great with a pair of hard shoes!

Playing by ear

Irish music is an aural tradition passed down the generations by listening to learn. As a result it is commonly learned by ear with the help of 'a few notes'.

Style

As well as learning the tunes from the local musician, in the past the student also learned a regional style of playing. As a result, musicians in different parts of the country played in a particular way that was unique to that area just like accents in different counties. These different accents or dialects in music are called styles.

Session

A meeting of a group of traditional musicians and singers.