Planxty Irwin

Here is a planxty, which is a tune written in honor of someone.

It was written for a Colonel Irwin in Ireland, by a chap called Carolan.

He's something of a legend in Irish harp history, and led a remarkable life traveling round the country on a horse writing loads of songs for people, to make a living.

He was left blind after smallpox, and only started to study the harp after that, at about 18 years old.

I think that is quite impressive, especially as this was some time in the 1600's.

Apparently hundreds of tunes are said to be his, although there are only a few actually confirmed. Most of them would have had lyrics too, but these seem to have been lost in the mists of time.

What a dude.

Yes I'm in the bathroom, as I thought I might not be noticed, but as you can tell, about half way through my little girl found me, and started to dance which I found a bit distracting. At the time I didn't think I was hesitating, but its quite obvious on tape!!

Enjoy!

Rain dance for Frogs

Today I thought I'd have a go at putting a little video on here.

Its the first time I've tried to do this, and so its not the best ever. But I thought I'd start small with a short piece on my harp called rain dance for frogs.

It has been raining a lot recently, and today there were a few hours of sun. The birds outside were all singing, and there was a gentle breeze, so I thought I'd just aim the camera at a chia flower, and capture just the sound this time.

Unfortunately, the first time through I was really distracted by a car going past, and worried that it would be really loud, so then stalled a bit. But the second time through sounds really ok from about 41 seconds in.

I love this tiny piece. My right hand is playing quietly, and my left hand has the main melody, so is slightly louder.

My right hand is playing the drips of rain perhaps as they fall from leaves to a stone or fallen branch where a frog might be hiding, and my left hand (to me) sounds like a curious little frog peeking out, then going back, then having another look, and eventually hopping off, or maybe drops falling in a pond.. What do you think?

Short and atmospheric, and hopefully it will work!

Oh my! That took a long time!!

Hope you enjoy it