Other Learning-sean Nós Flashcards
What is sean nós singing?
It is the traditional solo form of irish singing traditionally sung a capella or with little accompaniment and sung in irish
What does sean nós mean literally
Old style
Give seven features of sean nós
Improvisation Ornamentation Free rhythm Singing reflects lyrics Tempo varies, slow or fast A capella or little accompaniment Words are of great importance
Explain ornamentation as a feature of sean nós
Ornamentation means that the singer can add in small grace notes in between the main melody line.
Explain inprovisation as a feature of sean nós
Often a Sean nós song does not sound the same twice as each singer interprets the song differently and can improvise
What does free rhythm mean
Means there is often no definite pulse to the music is a main feature.
Explain little accompaniment as a feature of sean nós
The most important feature of sean nós singing is that traditionally it is sung without any instruments. In modern variations of the style different features have been added including some use of instruments but traditionally sean nós is acappella.
Why are the words of such importance in sean nós
The words are of great importance singing in this style because there is no accompaniment. Singers often lengthen or shorten notes to reflect the lyrics.
Briefly explain how and why sean nós can be modernised today
Sean-nós melody which is unaccompanied and unharmonized is sometimes too “foreign” for some people. Many performers, including Clannad and Altan, have tried to make these old songs more modern for a broader audience by adding instrumentation and harmonies.
Give the name of a sean nós singer and a song sung by them
An Mhaighdean Mhara sung by máiréad ní Mhaolaigh
What group is máiréad ní Mhaolaigh in
Altan
