The socio-political revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, and the simultaneous explosion in the commercialization of popular music, brought a period of rapid growth and change in Irish music, challenging divisions between folk and traditional music in both repertoire and instrumentation. This growth and change were driven by a diverse range of instrumental, structural and stylistic changes, coupled with a global investment in music and live performance as a commodity. Key ensembles such as The Dubliners, Sweeney’s Men, Planxty, The Bothy Band and others explored new timbres while establishing a distinctively Irish, yet individual sound. This article explores the ways in which non-traditional string instruments were integrated into Irish ensembles, the technical and stylistic adaptations that resulted, and the legacy of this formative period in Irish music.
History
Publication title
Musicology Australia
Volume
43
Issue
1-2
Pagination
78-107
ISSN
0814-5857
Department/School
Office of the School of Creative Arts and Media, Strategic Research Funding