110 Donegal Fiddle Tunes Book & CD Edition

The Donegal fiddle tradition is one of the most distinctive regional styles in _the diverse idiom of Irish traditional music. While its unique sound is almost immediately recognisable, and those who have passed it on and those who play it today are among the most important and influential musicians in the tradition.

110 Donegal Fiddle Tunes, compiled by Caoimhín Mac Aoidh, is the companion tune collection to his Between the Jigs and the Reels Revisited, a comprehensive work on the Donegal fiddle tradition, its history and its players. It includes Lancers (single jigs), Double Jigs, Slip Jigs, Polkas, Highlands, Strathspeys, Germans (barndances), Hornpipes, Reels, Set/Long Dances, Mazurkas, Waltzes and Marches. The tunes are transcribed from the playing of some exceptional exponets of the Donegal style – John and Mickey Doherty, Frank and Con Cassidy, Vincent and Jimmy Campbell, to name but a few.

"This new collection brings all of this work to another level. It reflects the diversity of styles within the county, from Inishowen to Glencolmcille and from the Rosses/Gaoth Dobhair to the Bluestack Mountains. It represents the music of generations, given with such grace and generosity and also pays homage to some of its renowned composers, such as Tommy Peoples of St. Johnston."

Paddy Glackin

From the seemingly simple tunes to the mighty three- and four-part ‘big tunes’, Caoimhín Mac Aoidh charts the journey for us in a clear, accessible manner. The 110 tunes in this collection bring us to the heart of Donegal fiddle music.

About the author:

Caoimhín Mac Aoidh has been studying, researching and playing the music of the Donegal fiddle tradition for nearly half a century. Initially inspired by the playing of John Doherty and Néillidh Ó Baoighill, he had the good fortune to be guided in his explorations by Tom Glackin, Proinsias Ó Maonaigh and Danny O’Donnell and to meet and play with those he considered his heroes. Early in his journey he realised that it is not only the stellar performers who _are of importance in bearing the tradition across generations, but also the many local players who played it with respect and passion. Caoimhín Mac Aoidh has served the tradition as broadcaster, performer, teacher, chronicler – as well as author and in this, his major work, he continues to document this cultural treasure.