Celtic music

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Celtic music is a broad grouping of music genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe. It refers to both orally-transmitted traditional music and recorded music, and the styles vary considerably to include everything from "trad" (traditional) music to a wide range of hybrids.

Origins and History

Celtic music has its roots in the traditional music of the Celtic nations, which include Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Galicia, and the Isle of Man. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipes, tin whistle, and harp.

Instruments

• Fiddle: A string instrument played with a bow, similar to the violin.
• Bagpipes: A wind instrument using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in the form of a bag.
• Tin whistle: A simple six-holed woodwind instrument.
• Harp: A multi-stringed instrument which has been used in Celtic music for centuries.

Genres and Styles

Celtic music encompasses a variety of genres and styles, including:

• Traditional Irish music: Known for its lively dance tunes and ballads.
• Scottish folk music: Features the use of bagpipes and fiddles.
• Breton music: Originating from Brittany, it often includes the use of the bombarde and biniou.
• Galician music: Known for its use of the gaita, a type of bagpipe.

Modern Celtic Music

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Celtic music has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many artists blending traditional elements with contemporary styles. Bands like The Chieftains, Clannad, and The Corrs have brought Celtic music to a global audience.

Festivals and Events

Celtic music is celebrated at numerous festivals around the world, including:

• Celtic Connections: An annual music festival held in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Festival Interceltique de Lorient: A major festival in Brittany, France, celebrating Celtic culture and music.

Related Pages

• Celtic nations
• Traditional Irish music
• Scottish folk music
• Breton music
• Galician music
• The Chieftains
• Clannad
• The Corrs