Showing posts with label fiddler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiddler. Show all posts

What is a fiddler? What styles of music are called "fiddle music" and why? When did "fiddling" start and why do people still fiddle today? What is the trajectory of fiddling? What does the future hold for fiddlers?


Adam Sweet (fiddle) and Paul Burton (guitar)

A fiddler is a person who plays the fiddle, which is another term for the violin. The term "fiddle" is often used to refer to a folk instrument that is played with a bow and is used in folk music, while the term "violin" is used to refer to a classical instrument that is played with a bow and is used in classical music. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, and many musicians who play classical music also refer to their instruments as fiddles.  A fiddler is a musician who plays the fiddle, which is another term for the violin. Fiddle music is a term used to describe a variety of styles of music that are played on the violin, including folk, traditional, and roots music. The term "fiddle" is often used to refer to the violin in these types of music because it is seen as a more down-to-earth and informal term than "violin," which is often associated with classical music.

Styles of music that are often referred to as "fiddle music" include folk music, bluegrass, country, Celtic, and traditional music from various cultures around the world. These styles of music are often played on the fiddle because of the instrument's versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones and rhythms.  Fiddling has a long history that dates back hundreds of years. The violin was invented in the early 16th century in Italy and quickly became popular in many different countries. Fiddle music has its roots in the traditional music of various cultures, including European, Indian, African, and American.

Fiddling has a long history that dates back to the early 16th century, when the violin was first developed in Italy. Fiddling has evolved over time and has been influenced by a wide variety of cultural and musical traditions. Today, people still fiddle for many reasons, including for enjoyment, as a form of cultural expression, and as a way to participate in the vibrant folk music community.  Fiddling is still popular today because it is a fun and expressive way to make music. Many people continue to fiddle as a hobby, while others pursue it professionally. There are many fiddle festivals and competitions held around the world, and fiddlers can be found playing in a variety of settings, including at folk and roots music festivals, in country bands, and at traditional dance events.

The trajectory of fiddling has been shaped by the evolution of the violin and the various musical styles and traditions that have influenced it. In the future, it is likely that fiddling will continue to evolve and be influenced by new musical styles and trends. There will always be a place for the fiddle in music, whether it is in traditional or contemporary styles, and fiddlers will continue to play an important role in preserving and promoting this rich and varied musical tradition.  It is difficult to predict the trajectory of fiddling, as it is influenced by many factors, including changing musical tastes and technological advances. However, it is likely that fiddling will continue to be an important part of many different musical traditions and will continue to be enjoyed by people around the world.

There are many famous fiddlers in a variety of musical styles today. Here are a few examples:

  • American fiddlers: Some famous American fiddlers include Mark O'Connor, Alison Krauss, and Bruce Molsky. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the American fiddle tradition.
  • Irish fiddlers: Some famous Irish fiddlers include Martin Hayes, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, and Kevin Burke. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the Irish fiddle tradition.
  • Klezmer fiddlers: Some famous klezmer fiddlers include Itzhak Perlman, Alicia Svigals, and Sophia Radai. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the klezmer tradition.
  • Indian fiddlers: Some famous Indian fiddlers include Dr. L. Subramaniam, Kala Ramnath, and Ramesh Misra. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the Indian classical music tradition.
  • Classical fiddlers: Some famous classical fiddlers include Anne-Sophie Mutter, Joshua Bell, and Itzhak Perlman. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the classical music tradition.

These are just a few examples of famous fiddlers from different musical traditions. There are many other highly skilled and respected fiddlers who are making significant contributions to their respective musical styles.

Who are some Famous Fiddlers today?  What makes them famous?

There are many famous fiddlers in various musical styles, including American, Irish, Klezmer, Indian, and classical. Here are a few examples:

  • Jason Carter: Carter is an American fiddler who is known for his virtuosity and versatility. He has won numerous awards for his playing and has recorded numerous albums as a solo artist and with various ensembles.
  • Eileen Ivers: Ivers is an Irish-American fiddler who is known for her electrifying stage presence and innovative style. She has recorded numerous albums and has played with many notable musicians, including Bono and the Chieftains.
  • Itzhak Perlman: Perlman is an Israeli-American classical violinist who is also an accomplished fiddler. He is known for his technical proficiency and expressive playing, and has recorded numerous albums and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras.
  • L. Subramaniam: Subramaniam is an Indian classical violinist who is also a skilled fiddler. He is known for his innovative approach to Indian classical music and has recorded numerous albums and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras.
  • Alicia Svigals: Svigals is an American klezmer fiddler who is known for her virtuosity and passion for traditional Jewish music. She has recorded numerous albums and has played with many notable musicians, including the Klezmatics.

These are just a few examples of famous fiddlers from different musical styles. There are many other skilled and respected fiddlers around the world who are known for their virtuosity and contributions to the world of music.

What is a fiddler? What styles of music are called "fiddle music" and why? When did "fiddling" start and why do people still fiddle today? What is the trajectory of fiddling? What does the future hold for fiddlers?


Adam Sweet (fiddle) and Paul Burton (guitar)

A fiddler is a person who plays the fiddle, which is another term for the violin. The term "fiddle" is often used to refer to a folk instrument that is played with a bow and is used in folk music, while the term "violin" is used to refer to a classical instrument that is played with a bow and is used in classical music. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, and many musicians who play classical music also refer to their instruments as fiddles.  A fiddler is a musician who plays the fiddle, which is another term for the violin. Fiddle music is a term used to describe a variety of styles of music that are played on the violin, including folk, traditional, and roots music. The term "fiddle" is often used to refer to the violin in these types of music because it is seen as a more down-to-earth and informal term than "violin," which is often associated with classical music.

Styles of music that are often referred to as "fiddle music" include folk music, bluegrass, country, Celtic, and traditional music from various cultures around the world. These styles of music are often played on the fiddle because of the instrument's versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones and rhythms.  Fiddling has a long history that dates back hundreds of years. The violin was invented in the early 16th century in Italy and quickly became popular in many different countries. Fiddle music has its roots in the traditional music of various cultures, including European, Indian, African, and American.

Fiddling has a long history that dates back to the early 16th century, when the violin was first developed in Italy. Fiddling has evolved over time and has been influenced by a wide variety of cultural and musical traditions. Today, people still fiddle for many reasons, including for enjoyment, as a form of cultural expression, and as a way to participate in the vibrant folk music community.  Fiddling is still popular today because it is a fun and expressive way to make music. Many people continue to fiddle as a hobby, while others pursue it professionally. There are many fiddle festivals and competitions held around the world, and fiddlers can be found playing in a variety of settings, including at folk and roots music festivals, in country bands, and at traditional dance events.

The trajectory of fiddling has been shaped by the evolution of the violin and the various musical styles and traditions that have influenced it. In the future, it is likely that fiddling will continue to evolve and be influenced by new musical styles and trends. There will always be a place for the fiddle in music, whether it is in traditional or contemporary styles, and fiddlers will continue to play an important role in preserving and promoting this rich and varied musical tradition.  It is difficult to predict the trajectory of fiddling, as it is influenced by many factors, including changing musical tastes and technological advances. However, it is likely that fiddling will continue to be an important part of many different musical traditions and will continue to be enjoyed by people around the world.

There are many famous fiddlers in a variety of musical styles today. Here are a few examples:

  • American fiddlers: Some famous American fiddlers include Mark O'Connor, Alison Krauss, and Bruce Molsky. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the American fiddle tradition.
  • Irish fiddlers: Some famous Irish fiddlers include Martin Hayes, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, and Kevin Burke. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the Irish fiddle tradition.
  • Klezmer fiddlers: Some famous klezmer fiddlers include Itzhak Perlman, Alicia Svigals, and Sophia Radai. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the klezmer tradition.
  • Indian fiddlers: Some famous Indian fiddlers include Dr. L. Subramaniam, Kala Ramnath, and Ramesh Misra. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the Indian classical music tradition.
  • Classical fiddlers: Some famous classical fiddlers include Anne-Sophie Mutter, Joshua Bell, and Itzhak Perlman. These fiddlers are known for their exceptional playing abilities and contributions to the classical music tradition.

These are just a few examples of famous fiddlers from different musical traditions. There are many other highly skilled and respected fiddlers who are making significant contributions to their respective musical styles.

Who are some Famous Fiddlers today?  What makes them famous?

There are many famous fiddlers in various musical styles, including American, Irish, Klezmer, Indian, and classical. Here are a few examples:

  • Jason Carter: Carter is an American fiddler who is known for his virtuosity and versatility. He has won numerous awards for his playing and has recorded numerous albums as a solo artist and with various ensembles.
  • Eileen Ivers: Ivers is an Irish-American fiddler who is known for her electrifying stage presence and innovative style. She has recorded numerous albums and has played with many notable musicians, including Bono and the Chieftains.
  • Itzhak Perlman: Perlman is an Israeli-American classical violinist who is also an accomplished fiddler. He is known for his technical proficiency and expressive playing, and has recorded numerous albums and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras.
  • L. Subramaniam: Subramaniam is an Indian classical violinist who is also a skilled fiddler. He is known for his innovative approach to Indian classical music and has recorded numerous albums and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras.
  • Alicia Svigals: Svigals is an American klezmer fiddler who is known for her virtuosity and passion for traditional Jewish music. She has recorded numerous albums and has played with many notable musicians, including the Klezmatics.

These are just a few examples of famous fiddlers from different musical styles. There are many other skilled and respected fiddlers around the world who are known for their virtuosity and contributions to the world of music.

Frankie Gavin is a fiddle player of traditional Irish music.

Frankie Gavin (musician)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Background information
Born     1956 (age 57–58)
Corrandulla, County Galway, Ireland
Genres     Irish traditional music
Occupation(s)     Musician
Instruments     Fiddle, tin whistle, flute
Years active     1960–present
Associated acts     De Dannan

Early years

Frankie Gavin was born in 1956 in Corrandulla, County Galway, from a musical family; his parents and siblings being players of the fiddle and accordion. As a child he played the tin whistle from the age of four and, later, the flute. He received some formal training in music, but his musical ability on the fiddle is mainly self-taught. When 17 years old, he gained first place in both the All Ireland Under-18 Fiddle and Flute competitions.

Music career

In the early 1970s Gavin played musical sessions at Galway's Cellar Bar, with Alec Finn (bouzouki, guitar), Mickey Finn (fiddle), Charlie Piggott (banjo), and Johnnie (Ringo) McDonagh (bodhrán).  In 1974, from these and further sessions, he founded the group De Dannan with Alec Finn.

When De Dannan split-up in 2003, Gavin founded a new group, Frankie Gavin and The New De Dannan, which led to an acrimonious exchange between Gavin and Finn, with the latter claiming to have registered the 'De Dannan' name.

Gavin has also played and recorded with Andy Irvine, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Stéphane Grappelli, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood,[6] and in 2010 became reputedly the fastest fiddle-player in the world, with an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

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A tribute to Frankie:

by Fintan Vallely, Sunday Tribune

2011 saw the release of the latest album by Frankie Gavin and De Dannan 'Jigs, Reels & Rock n' Roll' on the Tara Music label. The album is the culmination of years of work by Frankie to put the De Dannan back where it belongs as one of the foremost performing groups of Irish traditional music.
Frankie, who was born in 1956 in Corrandulla, Co. Galway, comes from a musical family: his father played fiddle, and his mother and all of her family played also. Frankie himself started playing the tin whistle at age four, making his first T.V. appearance three years later. At the age of ten years old Frankie began to play fiddle and by the time he was seventeen he was placed first in the All Ireland Fiddle Competition and in the All Ireland Flute Competition, both on the same day.

Mainly learning by ear, he was strongly influenced by the 78 recordings of Michael Coleman and James Morrison. Sessions in the Cellar Bar, Galway and later in Hughes’ pub in Spiddal led to the formation of De Dannan in 1973.

His Currandulla connection came in useful when De Danann were looking for a singer, and it was he who came up with Dolores Keane from nearby Cahirlistrane. When De Danann brought out their first album, her singing of The Rambling Irishman gained a lot of airplay for the group. Although De Danann has had many highpoints over a quarter of a century, particularly with the singing of Dolores Keane and Maura O'Connell and the box playing of Mairtin O'Connor, Frankie’s powerful virtuoso fiddle playing has always been at the core of the De Dannan sound.

He has recorded 16 albums with De Dannan as well as a number of solo albums, and three collaborations: one a tribute to Joe Cooley entitled ‘Omos do Joe Cooley’ with Paul Brock; a fine collaboration with fellow De Dannan member Alec Finn; and one with Stephane Grapelli exploring the languages of jazz and traditional music. He has also guested with The Rolling Stones on their ‘Voodoo Lounge’ album, with Keith Richards on ‘Wingless Angels’ and with Earl Scruggs the great banjo man.

Exposure to American audiences began in 1976 when he played with De Danann at the American bicentennial celebrations in Washington DC, with artists such as Junior Crehan and Micho Russell. Frankie has also been invited to play for numerous State officials including President John F. Kennedy on historic visit to Ireland in 1962, French president Francois Mitterand and England's Prince Charles. Of a special event in America, United States Ambassador to Ireland, Jean Kennedy Smith is reported to have commented that "The best all 'round performance of the entire week at Kennedy Center was by DeDannan."

2009 saw Frankie Gavin back on the road and with new De Dannan members. The new line up which features Frankie Gavin (Fiddle/Flute/Whistles), Damien Mullane (Accordian), Eric Cunningham (Percussion/Flutes/Whistles), Mike Galvin (Bouzouki/Guitar) and Michelle Lally (Vocals). In Frankie's own words "This recording marks a special time in my musical life and follows a period where it wasn't possible for me to perform as part of De Dannan, a band I first formed and played with in Connemara in the early 1970's."
 
"Innovation may be the buzz-word in Traditional music, but Frankie Gavin's digressions are not in the common areas of tempo and superficial style-impressions. His contemporary borrowings of art-deco and music-hall Irishness are re-jigged in original avenues of exploration. His dextrous treatment of troublesome tunes might get even the Pope out on the floor, his orchestration could break hearts. A superbly uncompromising player, he makes refreshment of the old by picking out and polishing every detail and setting it off in a steady, listenable pace. Gavin edgy and brilliant on both fiddle and flute, with always the most meticulous attention given to tone and variation. Live, his tune sets are perfectionism that drive and are driven by an audience spontaneity that spurs Gavin to push fiddle from shriek to rasping bass. Tears and cheers erupt spontaneously, the goodwill of his mixed-age audiences has always been great sauce. Like herding the mythic creac, Frankie Gavin here whoops a great retrospective before him into the Ogham of Celtic Valhalla."