Article

The Linguistic Turn at the Turn of the Tune: The Language of ‘Contemporary Ensemble’ in Irish Traditional Music

Niall Keegan

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 10 (2011)

Pages: 32-40 | Published Online: 2011

https://doi.org/10.64208/KNWN9142

Abstract

The English language plays a pivotal role in ensembles as they exist in the world of what is called traditional Irish music. If we take the linguistic turn, this language is essentially encultured, bring a shifting world of meaning into play at all levels of discourse; even the use of the term ‘ensemble’ in itself is one that brings a plethora of dialogic ideas such as cultural hegemony, value and class into play, despite my attempt to treat the term as neutrally as possible. The music performed in any number of ensemble contexts, whether the session, the céilí or the concert performance is rehearsed, directed and accounted for aesthetically through the use of language, all of which is essentially metaphorical in nature. This language reflects aspects of the performed identities of all participants in these events. Indeed it could be argued that these multiple and often conflicting identities are created in the use of language for and about the ensemble as well as in the musical sounds themselves. This paper will look at instances of the framing of ensemble by language and examine the use, function, and sources of such linguistic expressions in the context of the concert performance of ensemble and its creation. From this we can see how such a framing can reflect and contrast with the paradigmatic political and aesthetic identities assumed for the sounds of the music itself, providing contrasting and yet confluent dialogues for traditional Irish music.

Keywords: ICTMD Ireland, ethnomusicology, community, Covid-19, Ethnomusicology Ireland

Author: Niall Keegan