The above song is “Drowsy Maggie” which is a traditional Irish Song performed by the group The Ghillie’s. The orchestration of this song is Harp, Guitar, Violin, Flute and a traditional Irish Hand Drum.
This piece ties into what was discussed in our readings during Module One of our class Music of the World. The members of this ensemble that are performing are “Music Makers”. Music makers can be one person, a group, professionals or amateurs performing. It is not clear whether the members of this video’s ensemble received formal training or if this music was taught and handed down from generation to generation. My guess is that since this is a traditional Irish song, it was handed down by generations. You do not necessarily need formal training in a music education program to perform music. They are not reading any music during this performance. The members that are in this video can be performing for themselves or for an audience. Of course, any audience that is taking part in this performance are associated in the group of listeners. Listeners are the world’s largest participants as consumers of music. Ethnomusicologists study music that emphasizes cultural, social, cognitive, biological in addition to the particular repertoire of a country of culture.
