Music of the 17th and 18th century harpers; authentic ornamentation and performance of slow airs and dance tunes

 The workshop will explore the wide repertoire of the Irish tradition - that is, the music of the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century harpers, the "slow airs", songs and dance tunes - with particular reference to the special rhythms and phrasing characteristic of the tradition and the approaches to harmony and accompaniment that are most appropriate.

Particular attention will be paid to the specific fingering techniques necessary to create the ornaments that are integral to a stylistically authentic performance.

Participants will work primarily as a group and, since Ireland's is an oral tradition, will learn by ear and by imitation - though written music will be available for purchase if this seems too daunting.