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I have been trying to master this for a long time, even though it’s a simple piece it is deceptively difficult. I tend to stiffen up when I record myself which translates as mistakes, don’t have this problem when just playing, any ideas, any criticism of bowing, technique or anything will be greatly appreciated, don’t be nice be brutal and tell me were I can improve, as my Irish ancestors will be turning in their graves.
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Hi Stringy!
Is this "Coinleach Ghlas an Fhómhair"?
I don't think you're doing anything that recording yourself more or by playing in front of someone, won't cure! I think I only heard like 1 time, 1 note, you seemed a little flat, if that makes you feel better. This is GREAT!
Time to think about smiling!
I'm so isolated with health issues that when I get the rare visit or a rare phone call, might as well forget trying to play for them - unless someone catches me after I'm really warmed up... probably not even then (lol). I really need to start working on that. Seems I can play for the Grandkids and my BH, but that's probably because I don't think they're really interested!
Are you learning this strictly from the sheet music? Or can you play along with a recording?
Thanks for sharing - REALLY nice piece!
- Emily
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Emily you are too kind for your own good you seem as though there isn’t a bad bone in your body. I picked this up by ear it’s a very old Irish tune called Slan la Maigh, meaning farewell to the maigue A river in cork, it was written in 1738 by Aindrias Mac Craith A famous poet Who lived near Limerick, he was forced to leave the area by the parish priest, no idea why. As I say I picked this one up by ear, as I normally do with the tenor banjo, but I do read music, even though to get the timings right I have to hear the tune first. Not heard it called what you said, but then again a lot of Irish tunes have many names and many variations, like the lilting banshee is also called the hag at the well, depending on where in Ireland you are from, I play a lot of Irish session tunes because they translate from the banjo. Not had a chance to play along with any other musicians for quite a while now, and never have with violin, I can play guitar or Irish Bouzouki to anything in any style and have played with many musicians with those but guitar is an easy instrument to play. I hope your health issues are not serious, I don’t like seeing people unwell
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@stringy - Thank you!
That's GREAT info/history - I was having a hard time since I COMPLETELY FORGOT you already shared a video of when you 1st started playing this (senior moment)! I like it!
If it wasn't for YouTube, I probably would have never thought to pick up the Fiddle at my age - love to be able to hear & see different styles of playing.
Can't wait to hear your next tune!
- Emily
Btw, my health is better than it was a couple years ago - not saying much (lol), just still have a ways to go!
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@stringy you said.."even though it’s a simple piece it is deceptively difficult.."
I havent attempted or even heard this tune but Id agree that it would be difficult due to phrasing and being so slow.. Id guess its probably based on a vocal song? I cant offer any suggestions.. I enjoyed listening though and thanks for posting. Youve introduced a new tune there.
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Thanks Greg, there are words to it, it’s usually sung in Gaelic. Though it is performed sometimes in English as well.
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stringy
I to have never heard that tune before, thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Nicely played,
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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