Flutes are a key element of Irish traditional music. There are various varieties available today.
Irish flute trad music is one such style. This form of folk music combines elements from classical, celtic and country genres into one cohesive experience.
The traditional flute is composed of eight holes and made of wood, giving a broad array of possible tones and tuning options.
John McKenna
John McKenna has recorded many of the most renowned tunes in Irish flute traditional music today, such as Sailor on the Rock, Clancy’s Dream and Lucky in Love – that have become staples in their repertoires today.
His music was an outstanding example of traditional Irish music played during the 1920s: its strong lift and rhythm were devoid of unnecessary ornamentation; short phrases punctuated with stops were included; it featured several devices still used today by performers; one such device being to mix tunes composed in 6/8 time (double jig) with tunes in 9/8 time slip jig (such as Clanry’s Dream double jig and Leitrim Town slip jig on Columbia 1928 and Dever the Dancer slip jig and Connie the Soldier double jig on Decca 1934).
John McKenna Society honors his legacy by publishing both his biography and full corpus of digitally remastered recordings – 2 CDs featuring all 78 tracks – as well as conducting music classes and running artist-in-residency projects at Tents near Drumkeerin. Furthermore, they host other music related events and publish their own music.
Peter Horan
Peter Horan is one of Ireland’s premier flute players, having grown up surrounded by fiddlers in Killavil, Sligo. Influenced by this experience and music from south Sligo, his distinctive flute playing style developed into something truly distinctive.
He played with fiddle player Fred Finn for decades and toured widely, while teaching hundreds of young people from Sligo.
The flute is an extremely flexible instrument, capable of being played in many different ways – from breathy and softly rhythmic, through strong rhythmic notes, all the way to dark and pure tones. Finding what works for you may take some practice but once you understand its sound you’ll soon be on your way!
Donal Lunny
Donal Lunny has long been at the forefront of Irish traditional music’s renaissance. A founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Mozaik and Usher’s Island respectively he is revered and influential musician among his generation.
Donal Lunny is renowned as a left-handed bouzouki player and keyboardist, as well as being the founder of modern Irish flute trad music movement. Over his long career he has produced many popular albums of traditional Irish music that has had an indelible mark on attitudes about this artform.
Donal Lunny has composed music for numerous films and theatre productions. A sought-after producer, Donal also enjoys teaching students. From Japan to America he has worked with an impressive variety of musicians and singers.
Conal O Grada
Conal O Grada is widely renowned and experienced flute player in Ireland. He has performed, recorded, toured and collaborated with many of music’s premier performers; also publishing his excellent flute tutor book ‘An Fheadog Mhor: Irish Traditional Flute Technique’ to great critical acclaim.
He has also made significant strides toward the growth of Irish flute trad music by presenting new tunes and organizing musical events for young people – helping create an active community of players, many of whom also serve as teachers.
As well as using traditional single note ornamentation, many players also employ multi-note rolls to add variety of sounds to their playing. A variety of techniques are employed here including “strike” ornaments that mimic bowing patterns from fiddle players and “cut” ornaments which mimic striking of bow against string.