FOREWORD The musical instrument most commonly called the tin whistle has several names besides: penny whistle, tin flute, and in Irish feaddg stéin, Essentially a short end-blown tube of metal with six finger-holes, the whistle is sounded through a mouth piece which directs a jet of air at a sharp edge. It has several forms in modern Ireland. The oldest of these, the Clarke whistle pitched in C, has been produced by an English company since the mid- nineteenth century, and is a conical tinplate tube with a softwood plug or fipple at the mouth. This form has a hoarse breathy sound often favoured by players, but it calls for large reserves of breath and is at an awkward pitch for session playing. Since the 1950's it has been generally replaced by a cylindrical form, with a moulded mouthpiece, which gives a purer tone, and is available in the more useful pitch of D. Originally manufactured by an English firm, this type is now also made in Ireland. In recent years a conical D whistle has come on the market which is made of heavier metal than the Clarke version and has a hard- wood fipple, The tin whistle has ancient forerunners. Whistles made of various materials have been played throughout the world since prehistoric times, and in Ireland there is evidence of whistle players in the early literature and on the medieval High Crosses. Bird-bone whistles survive from twelfth-century Viking Dublin, and there are references to homemade whistles of straw or wood being played in later vyears Of the instruments used for the playing of Irish traditional music, the tin whistle is one of the most compatible, much more so than its sophisticated relatives the flagolet and recorder. It allows a crisp articulation in dance music that can build up to a great speed and excitement, or an emotionally charged expression in the playing of slow airs. All the basic ornaments used in the music can be played on the whistle, and special effects can also be acheived on it by tonguing notes, by sliding from one note to another, by half-covering holes, and by the use of vibrato. Some of the greatest modern exponents of the Irish tin whistle have contributed to the newest book in the literature of the instrument. Armed with their records as listed in the Discography, and with the hundred clearly presented notations that the book contains, the beginner and improver will be well started on the road that they have already travelled. Nicholas Carolan Irish Traditional Music ArchiveINDEX OF TUNES DOUBLE JIGS Banks of Lough Gowna, The. 10 Lilting Fisherman, The —u Battering Ram, The —_____$ Morrison’s jig __________9 Behind the Haystack —_ 6 Mug of Brown Ale, The uu Bill Collin's 8 Old Kilfenora as) Clare jig, The — Piidin © Raifeartaigh 7 Gliffs of Moher Rambling Pitchfork, The —____ 8 Donnybrook Fair Russell's Eavesdropper, The 1 Sixpenny Money — 7 Garrett Barry's 10 Swallow's Nest, The —— 6 Hag with the Money, The 9 ‘Templehouse jig, The __9 Kesh, The 8 Tenpenny Bit, The a Lark in the Morning, The - 5 MARY BERGIN COLLECTION A Rainy Day Tom Billy’s jig —__ 13 Concert Reel, The —__13 SLIP JIGS Butterfly, The — 14 Hardiman, the Fiddler 14 Foxhunter, The Hunting the Hare — 14 VINCENT BRODERICK’S COLLECTION Plasterer’s Dream, The ____ 15 Coachman’s Whip, The ___16 Flagstone of Memories, The 16 ‘Turoe Stone, The CAROLAN’S COMPOSITIONS Blind Mary to Planxty Fanny Power 18 Planxty Browne 11 Sheebeg and Sheemore — 18 WILLIE CLANCY Willie Clancy —____ 19 SET DANCES Job of Journeywork 20 Rub the Bag — 20 Jockey at the Fair ‘Three Sea Captains — 21 MICHO RUSSELL’S COLLECTION Boys of the Lake, The 23 Christmas day in the Morning Bride's Favourite, The — n Rl gan ainm POLKA’S Ballydesmond Polka, The 24 Maids of Ardagh, The — Egan's Polka a O the britches full of PADDY MOLONEY’S Brid Og Ni Mhdille __ 26 Garrett’s Wedding Oyster catcher and the Actress __ 26iil Aodha Slide Dan O*Keefes Denis Murphy's SLIDES 27 27 27 Dingle Regatta Kerry Slide SEAN POTT’S COLLECTION Conia an Pivbaire 28 Farwell to Eireann —_____29, Egan's Hornpipe 29 Sarah Hobbs 2» SLOW AIRS An Tir 30 mse im Cholagh — 30 MICHEAL O hALMHAIN COLLECTION Bie Maloney’ 2 Port gan sinm ——__ Maud McQuillan’s —— 31 Shepherd's Daughter, The 32 HORNPIPES Callaghar’s Hompipe 35 Glenbeigh Hompipe —_____34 Flowing Tide, The 3 Honeysuckle, The 35, Friendly Visit — 33, Liverpool Hornpipe, The _____34 Galway Horpipe 34 Stack of Batley, The 35, DONNCHA O BRIAIN’S COLLECTION Maids of Montcisco O'Rourke's Anderson’s Reel - Banshee, The —___ Boyne Hunt — Copperplate, The — Cup of Tea, The Floggin Reel, The — Fr. Kelly's Reel Geehan's — Green Groves of Eireann Heather Breeze’s Ril gan ainm 37 ‘Thomond Bridge —___37 Lucy Campbell's — Mason’s Apron Morning Star —_ Mountain road, The - Sally Garden’s, The Silver Sphere, The —____ St. Annes reel 39 Traveller, The 40 ‘Tommy Coen’s reel —__ 38 Wise maid, The 40 Discography __ 46 Bibliography 46 Acknowledgements —________47DOUBLE JIGS THE BATTERING RAM Traditional 8 =F THE LARK IN THE MORNING Traditional.BEHIND THE HAYSTACK Traditional THE, SWALLOW'S NEST ‘Traditional. ott THE CLARE JIG Traditional.PAIDIN © RAIFEARTAIGH Traditional SIXPENNY MONEY Traditional DONNYBROOK FAIR TraditionalBILL COLLIN’S Traditional. SS THE RAMBLING PITCHFORK Traditional THE KESH Traditional. —_ = ‘THE TENPENNY BIT Traditional. @52MORRISON'S JIG ‘Traditional THE TEMPLEHOUSE JIG Traditional TraditionalGARRETT BARRY’S JIG Traditional. = CLIFFS OF MOHER TraditionalTHE MUG OF BROWN ALE Traditional THE EAVESDROPPER Traditional. RUSSELL'S JIG Traditional ES THE LILTING FISHERMAN Traditional. "MARY BERGIN Mary Bergin, who has achieved almost legendary status for her whistle playing was born in Dublin, into a family immersed in traditional music. Her father, Joe Bergin played the melodeon and her mother, Maire, played the fiddle. She started the whistle at the age of nine and won many awards at the Oireachtas and Fleadh Ceoil competitions. Recognised primarily as a solo performer, Mary has played with such well-known and highly respected exponents of traditional music as Ceoltéirf Laighin and De Dannan. She has toured worldwide and has achieved widespread acclaim from both critics and lovers of traditional music alike, Mary now lives in Spiddal, Co. Galway where she gains invaluble inspiration from both the lifestyle and traditions of the culturally fertile Conemara Gaeltacht. A RAINY DAY Trad. arr., Mary Bergin ~ = signifies @ roll 2TOM BILLY’S JIG ‘Trad. arr., Mary Bergin, a 4 THE CONCERT JIG Trad. arr., Mary Bergin,SLIP JIGS THE BUTTERFLY Traditional HE FOXHUNTER ‘Traditional, Pie: Se HUNTING THE HARE Traditional HARDIMAN, THE FIDDLER ‘Traditional. 4VINCENT BRODERICK Vincent Broderick (lett) and his late brother, Peter. incent Broderick, one of the most famous musicians and composers of our time, was born in Bullauan, just outside Loughrea, in Co. Galway. His mother, Annie Finlay, played the tin whistle and his grandmother was a first cousin of Patsy Touhey, the famous Uilleann Piper. Vincent began playing at the age of twelve. After he had developed his style he went on to join the Kincora Ceil: Band. In 1951, Vincent moved to Dublin, the same year Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was founded. He became a member of the Pipers Club and with some fellow musicians they formed the Eamonn Ceannt Céili Band which remained together for the next twenty-five years, Today, Vincent composes music and ballads and he teaches the flute and tin whistle at Cumann na bPiobairi Uilleann, Dublin. (Craobh Leo Rowsome) THE PLASTERER’S DREAM ‘Trad, composition, Vincent Broderick 6THE COACHMAN’S WHIP Trad. composition, Vincent Broderick, THE TUROE STONE Trad. composition, Vincent Broderick. THE FLAGSTONE OF MEMORIES Trad. composition, Vincent Broderick, 16TURLOUGH CAROLAN TURLOUGH CAROLAN, the blind Harper, Composer and Poet was in the true sense an Irish Minstrel. Born in Nobber, Co. Meath in 1670, he was the son of a Blacksmith — JOHN CAROLAN. Around 1684, the Carolan family migrated to Co. Roscommon as John Carolan was to take up employment with the McDermott Roe family. ‘At the age of eighteen, Carolan caught smallpox and although he recovered from the disease, it left him completely blind. Mrs. McDermott Roe had him placed under a Harper, also named McDermott Roe. After three years tutelage, Mrs. McDermott Roe equipped him with a horse, a guide and some money. For the next fifty years, Carolan travelled Ireland playing and composing for his patrons. On nearing his death in 1738, he returned to the home of Mrs. McDermott Roe. His body lies in Kilronan Church, near Ballyfarnan in Co, Roscommon. PLANXTY BROWNE Traditional 7SHEEBEG AND SHEEMORE Traditional = PLANXTY FANNY POWER Traditional. 18BLIND MARY Traditional = SS Although it is an Uilleann Piper we mainly remember WILLIE CLANCY, he was also a fine exponent of the Tin Whistle. Born on Christmas Eve 1918 just outside Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Willie was encouraged to play traditional music by his father, Gilbert Clancy (Flute, Concertina and singer) and his mother, Eileen Killeen (Singer and Concertina). His father was a close friend of Garrett Barry, the Blind Piper from Inagh, Co. Clare and he spoke to Willie of his remarkable skill on the Pipes. His father began him on the tin whistle at the age of five, From this he went on to learn the Flute, step-dancing, fiddle and also became a fine singer in the old style of West Clare, Willie never heard the Pipes in action until 1936 when he heard Johnny Doran's playing. He went on to become one of the country’s foremost Uilleann Pipers and was a founder member of Na Piobairf Uilleann, Willie died in 1973. 19SET DANCES RUB THE BAG Traditional THE JOB OF JOURNEYWORK Traditional. 20THE JOCKEY AT THE FAIR Traditional. © THREE SEA CAPTAINS TraditionalMICHO RUSSELL Micho Russell was born in 1915, in Doolin, Co. Clare. His father, Austin Russell was a fine sean-n6: and his mother, Annie Maloney, was an accomplished Concertina player. With his background, it is not surprising that Micho, along with his brothers, Gussie and Pakie (R.LP.) all became respected musicians. Micho started the whistle when he was eleven years, of age. By the age of twenty, he was playing regularly for set dances. In 1973, he won the All-ireland tin whistle competition in Listowel. Micho has toured the world bringing with him his original style on the tin whistle The tunes transcribed are from Micho’s own collection. The “Bride’s Favourite” and “Ril gan ainm’” are two tunes he learnt at the old country dances. “Christmas Day in the Morning” is a jig he picked up from his mother and another good reel is “The Boys of the Lake”. THE BRIDE’S FAVOURITE Trad. att, Micho Russel 22RIL GAN AINM Trad, arr., Micho Russell CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING Trad. arr., Micho Russell THE BOYS OF THE LAKE Trad, arr., Micho Russell. =e SS & ee ote 23POLKA’S THE BALLYDESMOND POLKA ‘Traditional. = EG Traditional. © © THE BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES Traditional - THE MAIDS OF ARDAGH Traditional 24PADDY MOLONEY Paddy Moloney, Musical director and founder of the Chieftains, was born in 1938 on the northside of Dublin. There was always music in his house in Donnycarney, for both his parents inherited the tradition from their native Co. Laois. His srand- father was a fine flute player and his uncle was a member of the Ballyfin Pipe Band, Paddy began the whistle at the age of six and went on to the pipes soon after. He was taught by the famous piper, Leo Rowsome. Paddy joined up with Ceoltoirf Chualann in 1960, and, in 1963, he founded, along with some fellow members of Ceoltéiri Chualann, the legendary “Chieftains” Since their formation, they have been musical ambassadors for Ireland. Paddy has recorded on countless albums joining with Paul McCartney, Mike Oldfield, Art Garfunkel and many others, (See Discography) Recently, he has recorded a programme for the “Muppets” along with Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and George Martin (Producer of Beatles). In 1988, Paddy received an honorary doctorate from T: C. D. GARRETT’S WEDDING Trad. composition, Paddy Moloney 25BRID OG Ni MHAILLE H =ghost note. THE OYSTER CATCHER AND THE ACTRESS Trad. composition, Paddy Moloney zd + + bs, it toe 4 a 26SLIDES KERRY SLIDE Traditional DAN O’KEEFE’S Traditional. COIL AODHA SLIDE ‘Traditional. 2 DINGLE REGATTA Traditional. DENIS MURPHY'S ‘Traditional 27SEAN POTTS Seiin Potts, born in Dublin, has been involved in traditional music for as long as he can remember. He is the grandson of the late John Potts, the famous Piper, to whom Sean dedicated his composition “Cuimhne an Phiobaire”. Sein was a founder member of Ceoltoir{ Chualann (1960-1969) under the direction of Sean O’Riada and the Chieftains (1963-1979). Sefin ig a self-taught whistle player and was very much influenced by Tommy Reck (Piper), his uncle Tommy Potts (Fiddler), Willie Clancy, Séamus Ennis and other master musicians, He also played the concert flute for some years and has attempted the pipes. Sein is married to Beradette (a noted singer particularly of songs in Trish) and they have four children. He joined Na Pfobairi Uilleann in 1970, two years after its foundation, and since leaving the Chieftains in 1979. He has been very actively involved with them. Sean also founded the traditional group Baker's Well who have successfully toured the United States, CUIMHNE AN PHIOBAIRE Trad. composition, Sein Potts. 28SARAH HOBBS Trad. composition, Sean Potts. EGAN’S HORNPIPE Trad. composition, Sen Potts. 29SLOW AIRS TAIMSE IM CHOLADH Traditional. AN TAILLIGIR Traditional 30MICHEAL O hALMHAIN Michéal O'hAlmhain js a well-known member of Comhaltas Ceoltdiri Eireann. Born in Dublin, he has played in many different groups including the Castle Ceili Band and Ceoltdirt Laighin, He has performed on numerous occasions for radio and television. Michéal teaches traditional music and many of his pupils are rated among the best in the country. MAUD McQUILLANS ‘Trad, arr., Michéal 0 hAlmhain. ote 9 —— # 31PORT GAN AINM ‘Trad, arr., Michéal © hAlmhain. THE SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER Trad, art., Michéal 6 hAlmhain. EDDIE MALONEYS Trad, att., Michéal O hAlmhain. 32HORNPIPES THE FRIENDLY VISIT Traditional. THE FLOWING TIDE Traditional. 33THE LIVERPOOL HORNPIPE Traditional, THE GLENBEIGH HORNPIPE Traditional THE GALWAY HORNPIPE Traditional 34THE STACK OF BARLEY Traditional CALLAGHAN’S HORNPIPE Traditional. fahe: Traditional eee] I 35DONNCHA O BRIAIN Donnacha 6’Briain was born in Dublin in 1960. He was encouraged by his father DINNY O"BRIEN (Button - Accordion) to take up traditional music. Donncha began playing the tin whistle at the age of six and he went to win many All-lreland, Oireachtas and Slogadh competitions. He was awarded the “Person of the Year Award* in 1979. His brothers Michael, John, Andrew and ‘Thomas are all accomplished traditional musicians, Donncha teaches in Clontarf CCE and has toured Europe extensively. THE MAIDS OF MONTCISCO Trad. arr., Donncha 6 Briain,O'ROURKES, Trad, arr., Donncha © Briain. THOMOND BRIDGE Trad. arr., Donncha © Briain, 3y 4 4 RIL CAN AINM 37THE CUP OF TEA Traditional. =====——! —— Cea aS as et oH 38Traditional 39THE MORNING STAR Traditional. THE TRAVELLER Traditional. THE WISE MAID TraditionalLUCY CAMPBELLS ‘Traditional, THE MOUNTAIN ROAD Traditional. aTHE FLOGGIN’ REEL ‘Traditional. THE SALLY GARDENS Traditional — 42THE MASON’S APRON Traditional. HEATHER BREEZES ‘Traditional 43ANDERSON’S REEL Traditional. 7 THE GREEN GROVES OF EIREANN Traditional. THE BOYNE HUNT Traditional. 44THE COPPERPLATE = Traditional. THE SLIVER SPHERE Traditional FR. KELLY’S REEL = ‘TraditionalDISCOGRAPHY ‘The following cassettes/albums are completely devoted to the Tin Whistle, Mary Bergin, Feadéga Stain, Gael-Linn CEF 071. new cassette/album due for release. Donncha O'Briain, Donncha O'Briain, Gael-Linn CEF 083. ‘Tom McHaile, All-Ireland Whistling Champion at Boyle, Outlet OLP 1001. Paddy Moloney and Sean Potts, Tin Whistles, Claddagh CC 15. The following cassettes/albums feature the tin whistle with other instruments, Willie Clancy, The Minstrel from Clare, Topic 12T175. Seoda Ceoil, Gael-Linn CEF 018. Micho Russell, Traditional Country Music of Co. Clare Free Reed FRROO4A. Micho Russell, Triskel TRL 1009. Michéal O*hAImhain, Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, CCE CL3. Fleadh 1975, Dolphin Discs. All Chieftain releases, Baker’s Well, Gussie Russell, Tom Barry, Paddy Breen, Josie McDermott, Festy Conlon, Michael Turbridy, Eddie Corcoran, ‘Seamus Tansey. BIBLIOGRAPHY O’Neill’s Music of Ireland, 1001 Melodies. Walton's Dublin The Ancient Music of Ireland, Bunting’s Collection. Walton’s Dublin, Donncha O'Briain, (Book due for release). Walton’s Dublin. Ceol Rince na hEireann, Cuid 1, 2&3, by Breandin Breathnach. Goverment Publications. ‘The Dance Music of Willie Clancy, by Pat Mitchell. Mercier Press. ALL BOOKS, CASSETTES AND ALBUMS AVAILABLE FROM WALTON’S, DUBLIN.