"The book is an exploration of the ancient musical instruments of Ireland based on the latest findings of archaeology, supplemented by information contained in some of the Early Medieval manuscripts and numerous legendary references. Recent research into Bronze Age wooden pipes, bronze horns, Iron Age Celtic trumpas and Early Medieval instruments has revealed a musical world of great richness and diversity. These investigations have uncovered fascinating evidence of ancient music and the possibility that it may be the origin of the musical tradition which is so much a part of Irish life today."--Back cover

This invaluable collection of Irish song is enriched by a 100-page preface and followed by 151 Irish airs arranged for piano, with songs' Irish names, authors, and dates of composition.

The basis of this book is the beautiful prehistoric musical instrument collection of Ireland, which is introduced with detailed descriptions and photographs. The full story of Irish music from 8000 BC to AD 600 is discussed, starting from the origins and the oldest surviving instruments. A vivid picture of the way in which music enriched Irish culture is built up from references in Gaelic mythology and evidence from Western Europe and Scandinavia. Prehistoric Music of Ireland is elaborately illustrated with high quality photographs of the various musical instruments as well as paintings produced as special commissions for this book.

The jews-harp is a distinctive musical instrument of international importance, yet it remains one of those musical instruments, like the ocarina, kazoo or even the art of whistling, that travels beneath the established musical radar. The story of the jews-harp is also part of our musical culture, though it has attracted relatively little academic study. Britain and Ireland played a significant role in the instrument?s manufacture and world distribution, particularly during the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Drawing upon previously unknown written sources and piecing together thousands of fragments of information spanning hundreds of years, Michael Wright tells the story of the jews-harp?s long history in the Britain and Ireland. Beginning with an introductory chapter describing the instrument, Part One looks at the various theories of its ancient origin, how it came to be in Europe, terminology, and its English name. Part Two explores its commercial exploitation and the importance of the export market in the development of manufacturing. Part Three looks the instrument?s appearance and use in art, literature and the media, finally considering the many players who have used the instrument throughout its long history.