Clare's
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Sean-Nós is Irish for Old-Style, and Sean-Nós songs
are by definition pieces of ancient Irish music passed
on through the ages from parent to child. Their
melodies, stories, and words often preceded literacy,
musical or otherwise. And yet they have survived, and
their value lies in their beauty of tone, timbre,
rhythm, melody and implied harmony as well as
inimitable ornamentation and the stories which serve
as a time-capsule into a life that is disappearing
quickly. The nostalgic themes of love of place,
romantic love, political upheaval, and celebrations of
sporting events from hunting and rowing to fishing and
football games, to poaching, dancing, making music,
and making potato cakes, form the fabric of Irish
rural life then and to a lesser extent, now. The
workshop will begin with Clare Horgan introducing
songs from each of the five Irish speaking areas of
Ireland. Two of these songs will be then be chosen as
the focus for the workshop, which will be learned and
sung together, with copies of words and some
background information supplied. All levels and ages
welcome. No prior knowledge of Irish is required.
Originally from Waterville on the breathtakingly
beautiful Ring of Kerry, Clare grew up in a bilingual
community on the edge of the Irish-speaking
(Gaeltacht) area of Baile ‘n Sceilg. By the age of
eleven, Clare had reached national level in the Fleadh
Cheoil in the Sean-Nós category. From a childhood
steeped in the rich tradition of Irish music, dance,
and culture, Clare eventually branched out to become
adept at jazz, country, rock, pop, and contemporary
folk. Her roots nevertheless still run deep in the
musical traditions of her native Ireland.
Jackson Heights, Queens, location. Seating limited,
reservations required. For reservations, location, and
directions please contact Eileen Pentel, eileen.pentel
(at) gmail.com or 718-672-6399. Fee payable on
arrival: $15 for FMSNY members, students, or youth.
$20 for everyone else.
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