Monday, August 13, 2012

Rhiannon ~ Ancient Music of Ireland


Sabine & Dick Glasgow have been playing Ancient Music 
in costume now, for almost 20 years.
Here they are, with their son Kevin, at an early gig in Dublin Castle.
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Since this photograph was taken, they have systematically acquired a number of
more appropriate instruments, which help to create a far more authentic sound.
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They regularly provide suitable music for a wide variety of historic reenactment events, 
including Medieval BanquetsWeddingsJousting Tournaments
as well as having been involved in a number of Film & TV productions.
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Each year they provide period music in costume for the NI DOE at a number of their historic monuments, including Dunluce CastleCarrickfergus Castle.
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They also play in costume each year for European Heritage Open Day
at the North Down Museum
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Lyre to Laptop 
is their hands on presentations for schools & adult groups, 
on the history of musical instruments.
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To learn more .... read on.
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Playing in Ireland's Castles


Carrickfergus Castle
Co. Antrim
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Playing in the Banquet Hall
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Playing Hammered Dulcimer at the Castle entrance for the annual Medieval Festival.
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Playing for a Medieval Banquet
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Dunluce Castle
Co. Antrim
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With our replica period tent at Dunluce Castle.
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In front of our tent, playing for the regular Event Day.
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Playing Hurdy Gurdy
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Tully Castle
Co Fermanagh
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Playing Hammered Dulcimer in the Castle Cottage
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Playing harp in the Castle Cottage
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Crom Castle
Co Fermanagh
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Playing with friends for a Jousting Tournament.
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Our Musical Instruments


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These are just some of the replica period instruments in our collection.
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Our Lyre
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Our Memling Fiddle
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Our Rebec
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Our Crumhorn
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Our Shawm
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Our Gemshorn
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Our little Brass Strung Knee Harp
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Our Gothic Harp, made by Early Music
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Our Bladder Pipe
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We have a number of sets of more unusual Bagpipes, 
including these Northumbrian Pipes.
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We have both Mouth Blown Leicestershire Smallpipes
& Bellows Blown sets.
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This is my Colson Model Hurdy Gurdy, made by Chris Allen
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Our Oakwood Hammered Dulcimer
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This Nyckelharpa was made in Sweden by Olle Plahn
It has a wonderful olde world sound & is just ideal for playing ancient music.
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Here we are, playing Medieval Pipes & Nyckelharpa at 
Dunluce Castle, in Co. Antrim
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Here's a of video, accompanied by the
unmistakable sound of the Nyckelharpa.
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Two Nyckelharpor in Bushmills
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If you enjoyed that, here's another:
A Nyckelharpa comes to Ireland
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Costume Music through the ages


 We are happy to dress in costume for any period.
 From Viking & Medieval through to more recent times.
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 In this photo, we were playing in the old History Park near Omagh.
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Sadly the History Park is now closed, but it was indeed a wonderful venue,
for all ages and proved to be a brilliant place for anyone filming period pieces
for TV, which was what we were doing in this photo.
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When part of a Medieval Village, we always take our own replica
period Tent, which gives us lots of room to display & demonstrate our instruments
& with the awning, even on a wet day, folks can stand inside & enjoy the music. 
Playing Pipe & Viol.
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Playing hammered Dulcimer.
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Playing Knee Harp.
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Playing Hurdy Gurdy.
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Even our dogs are happy to get into the spirit of the event
& dress up too, to be involved in our demonstrations.
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For the annual period Wedding Days, at the Ulster American Folk Park,
we of course have to wear slightly later period costume.
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Playing for historic Weddings at the Folk Park is always great fun.
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Wedding grub is always a bonus.
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Of course, every good wedding needs a Fiddle Player.
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At the Folk Park, you just never know who you are going to be.
One time we might be American Pioneers.
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The next time we might be based a little closer to home.
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Playing for a period Wedding Ceili in the Ulster American Folk Park.
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I can never understand why more musicians don't get involved
in getting dressed up for costume music. I suspect it's because they take themselves far too seriously.
At the end of the day, if music is not about fun, 
then I reckon your missing the point.
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Passing on the love of Music


Mandragora have given costumed musical presentations, for a number of years now, to schools & adult groups on the history & development of traditional musical instruments, featuring many of their more unusual instruments.
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Giving a presentation to School children in Waterford Treasures Museum.
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As you can see, we have a large & varied collection of Musical Instruments.
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There is nothing more satisfying, than passing on your passion for music.
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An important element of our presentations is the hands on experience,
which many children really enjoy.
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Giving a presentation on the history of musical instruments, in a local school.
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