Books

Books written or edited by Fintan Vallely

The Companion to Traditional Irish Music
Fintan Vallely, editor

There are many notable publications on Irish traditional music, among them works of monumental initiative and deservedly enduring status. Only a handful however attempt to present an overall picture, a difficult task in what is now a vast field.

The traditional music scene has changed radically since the 1960s, and now by the second decade of the 21st century it is seen to have become an established part of Irish culture. The commercial life of traditional music has evolved and consolidated as well, bringing with it significant music tourism. [click to continue…]

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Ben Lennon – The Tailor’s Twist

The Tailor's Twist - Ben Lennon’s Life in Traditional Irish Music

A study in text, photographs and graphic design of the fiddler Ben Lennon of Kiltyclogher, Co. Leitrim.
Ben Lennon’s life is documented here in words by writer Fintan Vallely and he is presented within his music society in a hundred and more striking photographs by international award-winner Nutan Jacques Pirapez. These elements are integrated by a [...]

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Sing up! Irish Comic Songs and Satires for Every Occasion

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A collection of comic and satirical lyrics that comment on some of the inconsistencies and absurdities that mark Irish society’s transition from the past to the future.

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Tuned Out – Traditional Music and Identity in Northern Ireland

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The book looks at the Traditional Irish music scene and notes that while there is enthusiastic participation of Northern Ireland Catholics therein, Protestants have largely absented themselves.

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Timber: The Flute Tutor – new edition in autumn 2011

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The comprehensive guide to playing the wooden, six-hole, ‘simple system’ transverse flute. It takes the reader through all aspects of holding, blowing, fingering, ornamentation and breath control, all via a light yet informative text.

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From Fifth Column to Pillar of Society

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Observations on the political implications of popular revival and education in Irish Traditional music in modern Ireland. This discussion pamphlet is the text of the Seán O’Riada Memorial Lecture No. 14, given by Fintan Vallely to the Traditional Music Archive and the Irish Traditional Music Society of University College, Cork.

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Blooming Meadows – The World of Irish Traditional Musicians

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Interviews by Charlie Piggott & Fintan Vallely, color and B/W photographs by Nutan. Detailed interviews with 30 musicians, singers & dancers based in Ireland, England and US, professional and non-professionals.

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The Companion to Irish Traditional Music – First Edition

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An A-Z encyclopaedia-style reference book drawing on the major commentators and teachers within Traditional music in Ireland, USA, and elsewhere.

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Crosbhealach an Cheoil / The Crossroads Conferences

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Published Proceedings of a three-day conference on the subject of tradition and innovation, in Dublin in April, 1996, organised by Fintan Vallely, Cormac Breathnach, Liz Doherty, Colin Hamilton and Eithne Vallely.

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Together in Time: The Life and Music of John Kennedy of Cullybackey

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The life story of John Kennedy ‘the bard of Cullybackey’, his songs and his tunes, all brought to the eyes and ears of a wider public for the first time.

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