The recitation of Gaelic bardic poetry alongside accompanying harp music was a highly esteemed performance practice throughout Gaelic society which involved the famed trio of An File, An Reacaire agus An Cruitire (the poet, reciter and harper). Whilst the survival of many Gaelic bardic poems provides us with insights into the complex nature of the poetry, a lack of recordings, transcriptions and source material relating to the accompanying harp music obscures our knowledge and understanding of the harpers’ creative practice.
Frequently mentioned throughout early Irish literature, the harper undoubtedly played a vital role within this mode of practice which demanded a high level of skill in accompanying poetry governed primarily by syllables and strict metrical rules of composition. Have you ever wondered what these 16th century Irish bardic poems could sound like with harp accompaniment? Come along to get a glimpse into our Gaelic past, and how we might reimagine it for musicians today.
- Ulster University, York St, Belfast
- Monday 27 July
- 2.30pm
- £5.00
More information and booking: https://belfasttradfest.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173683968
