The Companion to Irish Traditional Music is a landmark; easy to use A-Z format for studying; exploring and researching one of Irelandrsquo;s most universally recognisable cultural expressions.Among the existing publications on Irish traditional music there are works of monumental initiative and deservedly enduring status. But the radical development in this music scene since the 1960s mark it now as an established part of Irish cultural life and demand new kinds of information. The commercial side of the music has evolved and consolidated; generating a new set of standards; popular music dynamics and significant music tourism. The musicrsquo;s expanding profile within the academic system too has created fresh approaches to playing and study; with a growth of academic research interest; and many major studies published or presently under way. In relevant and accessible ways The Companion uniquely draws together the oldness and newness in all of this: the practice and the study; the aesthetics and the analysis; the competing interests and diverse ideals. The editor Fintan Vallely is himself an accomplished musician and music writer. He has harnessed the expertise of some 200 specialists from all aspects of traditional music; who in more than half a million words and 300 images present the most comprehensive image of Irish traditional music ever assembled. This detailed mosaic is coloured by history; ideology; scholarship; virtuosity; romance; satisfaction; pride and internationalism; all appropriately flagged by the coverrsquo;s use of Maclisersquo;s fabulously energetic Snap Apple Night. This second edition is not only revised but also greatly expanded; and has much new information; including material never before printed and unavailable elsewhere. In 1;750 individual articles and as many more sub-sections The Companion gives A-Z coverage of song; dance; instruments; bands; storytelling; technology; tunes and style; composition; organisations and promotion; education and transmission; collectors and archives; revival; broadcasting and recording; English; Scottish and Welsh music and song; and music in all Irish counties; Europe and the USA. This commentary and analysis is linked to an historical timeline which spans three millennia; and a publications listing that covers three centuries. Six hundred biographies detail the human endeavour of the field; documenting significant musicians; commentators; historians; promoters and composers; and extended entries cover major themes such as song; dance; education and the elements of style. The Companion to Irish Traditional Music is a key reference for the interested enthusiast; session player and professional performer. It is also a profoundly comprehensive; one-stop resource for every library; school and home with an interest in the distinctive rituals; qualities and history of Irish culture. And it is a vital resource for all levels in education; particularly valuable at third level as both textbook and research resource. The book is uniquely backed by the provision of a parallel website ndash; www.companion.ie - which guides structured exploration of the text and fully integrates it with the existing vast and magnificent range of traditional music internet resources.
#918625 in eBooks 2013-04-16 2013-04-16File Name: B00B1C97K0
Review
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful. gorgeous stylish shawls; wraps. scarvesBy M. PollerI think Kristin came from Minnesota and settled for awhile in Israel where she learned to crochet so while Ive never met her; we seem to have crossed paths. Judging from her other published patterns I was afraid this book might be difficult so I was happily surprised to find so many I will enjoy making. There seems to be a scarcity of crocheted shawl patterns that are attractive and this book really fills a need. The yarns are easy to find or substitute and the stitches not difficult but also fascinating as she is interested in geometric forms such as spirals; triangles; etc. She has good instructions for the hairpin lace scarf. Her triangle motif square shawl is beautiful and looks very easy for the beginner. I like her lacy cardi-wrap with sleeves. Another easy one is the medallion triangular shawl. All the instructions are written out and charted with helpful notes and a nice intro explaining the background to the design. One of her specialties is working spirals into her shawls. There are also wraps; a ruana and several scarves. Several pages in the back explain the stitches used with illustrations. There is also a glossary; index and list of yarn resources. Book is well produced with nice color photos; good print and while the binding is regular; the oversize paperback will lay flat. Highly recommended to all crocheters: dont miss this one whatever your skill levels.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Mixed emotionsBy AlpacaLadyI raise alpacas and crochet with alpaca yarn. I fell in love with the patterns I saw in this booklet; and just had to have it. I chose the Infinity Motif Wrap; because I had some beautiful lace weight alpaca yarn I had been saving for a special project; and I knew this was it. Immediately; the pattern instructions were wrong after the 1st round on the 1st Motif was done. I realized I had to use the diagram (which; fortunately; was a complete diagram and not just a sliver) and write out the remaining rounds from 2 through 8 in order to proceed. Ive just completed the 5 motifs and am hopeful the rest of the pattern has been spelled out for me so I dont have to spend so much time figuring it out. Im hoping this was the only gliche in the book; too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Kindle CustomerGood patterns