Bagpipe performers for a St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago
With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, those celebrating will be bound to hear bagpipe music, sometimes unaccompanied and sometimes with the backing of the Bodhrán drums. Here are the stories behind just a few of the bagpipe standards.
"Minstrel Boy"
A traditional Irish song with a strong, patriotic feel. Written by Irish poet Thomas Moore, the song is notable for its popularity and its calls for freedom. Popular not just in Ireland but also in North America, one writer translated all of the songs in Moore’s collection Irish Melodies into Spanish, transmuting the Irish nationalism into a Cuban one.
"Garryowen"
This Irish dance is a drinking song; an alternate title invokes Bacchus, the Roman god of winemaking. The merry tune has a strong association with American military traditions. It was adopted by predominantly Irish military groups in the US, eventually becoming the song for the 7th Cavalry Regiment and has been used or referenced in the Vietnam and Second Iraq Wars.
"The Wearing of Green"
This spirited ballad is set to an Irish air. With lyrics marking the contributions of the failed Irish Rebellion of 1798, the song is told from the perspective of an escaped rebel. The narrator tells of the persecution faced by the supporters of the rebellion, i.e. those wearing green. When performed — as on bagpipes — without lyrics, the piece maintains an upbeat, defiant feel.
"The Irish Washerwoman"
A lively jig that's a favorite for Saint Patrick's Day. It's upbeat, fun, and instantly recognizable. An orchestrated version of the spirited song is incorporated in American pops composer Leroy Anderson’s Irish Suite.
"The Rakes of Mallow"
This song is a good-humored salute to the rakes (which is to say, libertines) of the Cork County town Mallow. Its influence has spread. The song is used at Notre Dame games and in various Notre Dame and in various media, from the Notre Dame college football film Rudy to John Ford’s Ireland-set film The Quiet Man.
