A Hidden Ulster: People, Songs and Traditions of Oriel

by Padraigin Ni Uallachain

This book is the first major study of the Gaelic song tradition in an area which was the main center of literature in Leath Chuinn (the northern half of Ireland) from the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century. Written in English, it gives text, source music, and the translation of 54 songs - mainly vision poems, laments, courtly love songs and the songs of the people. The collection includes material from recently discovered music manuscripts, which are reconnected here to their original texts. The catalogue section includes facsimile copies of unpublished dance tunes. As both a researcher and traditional singer, Ní Uallacháin gives a unique insight into her native Gaelic song tradition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ireland, Music

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jay Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure house of information about a fascinating, dearly-loved, vanished world and its songs. It's a popular rather than academic work, in the best sense.

The old photographs of the singers add a lot to it.