A HIDDEN ULSTER - PEOPLE, SONGS & TRADITIONS OF ORIEL
by Padraigin Ni Uallachain
Written by one of Ireland's best known contemporary female sean-nos singers, this formidable book presents a thorough documentation of the singing tradition in the southeast Ulster region known as Oriel. Following a comprehensive introduction to the area's culture and people, the first large section of the book consists of a 300-page, 54-song annotated songbook, each song being presented with lyrics in Irish and English translation, music or references to published versions of the airs, and copious historical notes. The next large section is devoted to the "people," poets, harpers, collectors and scholars (including the author's own father), singers and storytellers, while a third section not only lists collections and catalogues of songs but also reproduces some manuscript collections of airs and dance tunes. The last 30 pages or so contain valuable additional information, in particular additional sources for each of the 54 songs. This is a remarkable work which undoubtedly will come to be recognized as one of the best collections of Irish music ever printed.
Paperback, 540pp., music, facsimiles, photos, illustrations, maps, indexes, bibliography.
Rating: **** 1/2
Price: $49.95
