Musical Traditions Episode Guide

Episode Guide

• All For One - The Pipe Band

  Musicians discuss the factors involved in a good pipe band - from finding musicians and tuning instruments to variables such as the weather which can affect the overall performance

• Fiddle
• The Flute

  The distinctive style of flute playing found in the North of Ireland. (Age 14-16)

• The Flute : Belfast Sessions

  A report from Belfast, one of Ireland's most vibrant centres of flute playing, focusing in particular on the energy and passion of the flautists as well as the unique sound evident in the live sessions. Last in series

• The Harp

  The story of the harp, the oldest and most famous instrument in Ireland, where musicians were feared in ancient times because they were believed to have special powers. Contemporary players discuss the history and tradition of harp-playing, particularly in the north of the country

• The Lambeg Drum

  The history and tradition of the Lambeg drum. (Age 14-16)

• The Lambeg Drum : Come Listen to Me Boys

  Series about the distinctive musical traditions of Northern Ireland, beginning with a look at the history and current popularity of the Lambeg drum - one of the loudest and biggest percussion instruments in the world, heavily associated with July 12 parades

• Make a Joyful Noise - Metrical Psalms

  Exploring psalms written in a metered, poetic format so they can be set to familiar hymn tunes

• The Metrical Psalm

  Metrical psalms sung unaccompanied in four-part harmony by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Co Antrim : a tradition that stretches back to the 16th century

• Northern Song - Shamrock, Rose and Thistle

  A look the rich song tradition of Northern Ireland, considering the Scottish, English and Irish influences and featuring performances by leading unaccompanied singers

• The Pipe Band

  Insight into the bagpipes, revealing why the instrument is so popular in parts of Northern Ireland - to the extent that some people want to play 12 at the same time

• Song

  Insight into Northern Ireland's distinctive and enduring traditional songs and their continuing appeal

• The Song Tradition

  Insight into Northern Ireland's distinctive song tradition, together with its diversity and continuing appeal

• A Sound So Melting - The Harp

  Insight into the harp's role in traditional Irish music

• South

  Insight into Northern Ireland's distinctive musical heritage and its continuing appeal

• South Donegal Fiddle : Bad Scottish Music

  After overcoming the label of 'bad Scottish music', the distinctive sound of the south Donegal fiddle is now at the forefront of Irish traditional music. This documentary visits the area and discovers the story behind the instrument

• The Uilleann Pipes

  Uilleann pipers talk about the sound of one of the most distinctive instruments in traditional Irish music and their passion for playing it