Ireland has exerted an important influence on the development of the traditional, popular and art musics of other regions. This book provides ethnographic and ethnomusicological studies of a group of traditional musicians from County Antrim. It offers a consideration of the cultural dynamics of Northern Ireland with respect to traditional music.
Northern Ireland remains a divided community in which traditional culture, in all its manifestations, is widely understood as a marker of religious affiliation and ethnic identity. Since the outbreak of the most recent 'troubles' around 1968, the borders between the communities have often been marked by music. With the increasing espousal of a discrete Ulster Scots tradition since the signing of the Belfast (or 'Good Friday') Agreement in 1998, the characteristics of the traditional music performed in Northern Ireland, and the place of Protestant musicians within popular Irish culture, clearly require a more thoroughgoing analysis. David Cooper's book provides such analysis, as well as ethnographic and ethnomusicological studies of a group of traditional musicians from County Antrim. In particular, the book offers a consideration of the cultural dynamics of Northern Ireland with respect to traditional music.
'Cooper's excellent book offers a timely investigation of the contrary point, purpose and political appropriation of music by Northern Irish Catholics and Protestants alike, both sharing a common heritage that each side bent to their own factional interests. ... Cooper writes with intelligence and insight to tease open a history whose story is only just beginning to be told.' 4 stars, Songlines '... [a] groundbreaking and provocative work of scholarship.' Popular Music 'Cooper highlights the intermingling of Scottish, English, and Irish music and song, the syntheses of oral and literary traditions, the variegated repertory of musicians and singers, the impact of different instruments on musical style and structure, and the importance of regional and local variations.' Music and Letters
