St. Patrick's Festival Music

Funnily enough, a gap in tv watching today - sport or soaps or kids' stuff or cookery or Amazing Animal Births.. and so I came back to the St. Patrick's Festival website. After yesterday's manic, full-on work schedule, it's a sheer joy to have time to myself today, and I made the most of it by watching a couple of musical shorts, about 15 minutes each - enough time for two songs each.

First up, I have to say, is a spectacular performance filmed on the shoreline of Corca Dhuibhne, by a local couple. He plays the most curious instrument - adapted, apparently, from a Turkish one - which, as she explains, he spent lockdown constructing in the shed. They do spent a good deal of time explaining the background to each song, but I think it's worth it. First up is Port na bPúcaí (Song of the Fairies), about a woman who has been taken by them and warns others not to follow. Apparently from the area, and as she says, truly ethereal..

The second piece is the Pádraig Pearse version of Oró Sé do Bheatha 'bhaile, a rousing rebel song using the imagery of Granuaile, the Western Irish pirate queen. Again, with the husband playing and wife singing, the backdrop of crashing waves lends the whole scene an otherworldly air. Don't worry that they're both in Irish - just absorb the sound and visuals, which are stunning - the Skellings even make an appearance, although they're actually a bit further south! This is well worth 15 minutes of your day - absolutely recommended.

The next 15-minute slot was a performance, again of two songs, by a fellow who calls himself Arrivalists. Sitting in his living room in a guitar, he was never going to match the scenic splendour of the first video. Nor is the music, original folk this time, quite so memorable - but still very enjoyable, and the ode to Dublin City is wistful.

For Saturday, I guess Cultureseekers will be posting another online quiz - but they haven't just yet. But I still have plenty to check out on that St. Patrick's website..! Which I just mentioned to my new boss, who thinks her friend, who's big into music history, would love!