5 Comments
Aug 6Liked by Robert Keim

When I visited Ireland, one of my tour guides was very knowledgeable about Irish folk music (and sang traditional folk songs for us as well). The songs weren't written down, they were passed on from generation to generation. While walking the streets of Ireland, regardless of which county/city I was in, regardless of the size of the village, when passing a Pub you can hear Irish people singing folk songs.

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Some of my favorite surviving folk songs are Irish. I wish I could hear them sung in their native land!

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I love how the artist conveys the raw cold of winter with the lady of the house nearly climbing into the hearth to get warm! Also, unexpectedly, the artist has warmed the tones of the surfaces facing the merry fire with golden highlights. I did not expect that artistic sophistication. Very nice, and a great recording too.

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Yes, these old manuscript illustrations sometimes display surprising sophistication, and as someone who has lived multiple times in houses heated primarily (or almost entirely) by wood stoves, I can sympathize with that urge to get as close to the fire as possible!

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Aug 7Liked by Robert Keim

Great stuff, Robert. Oh how I love music.

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