sean nos

Subject: sean nos
From: ana
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 04:13 AM

I've always enjoyed singing, and tend to regard my voice as a more satisfying instrument to"play" than my guitar.(Maybe I'm just a bit slack!)So-natural progression and all-I usually sing a cappella.So "where's this all leading?'you might be thinking. Sean nos...I've listened to some recordings described as such, but would really like to "hear" your thoughts on what it is - like, what is the essence of it/ how does it differ from a cappella? (and is it pronounced"shawn noss"!)Ta much

Subject: RE: sean nos
From: Martin Ryan.
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 05:08 AM

"a capella" is used generally to describe unaccompanied singing in whatever style. Comes from the latin "as in church" - from plain chant etc.

"Sean-nos" (pronounced roughly SHAN NO - S is specifically Irish. Literally means "old style". Term first appeared around the end of the 19th century. It refers to a highly ornamented style of solo unaccompanied singing. A purist would only use it for such singing in Irish - but it has a huge influence on how Irish singers sing in English, of course.

We had a long thread on this some time ago. Try a Forum Search (top of page). Think I recommended two CD's - one in English, one in Irish.

Regards

Subject: RE: sean nos
From: Alice
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 12:54 PM

Ana, I will dig up the thread discussion on this and refresh it. ( I started it, so I think I put a trace on it.) I also have alot of links regarding sean nos on my music page at my website. The links will give you lots of information to explore, including rules for competitions, etc. The sean nos links are towards the bottom of the page... just keep scrolling down. alice

Alice's music links