‘It was in the Air’: Micro and macro flows in the changing soundscape of Irish traditional music in Galway, 1961 to 1981
Date
2024-04-18Embargo Date
2026-04-16
Author
Falkenau, Anna
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the emergence of a vibrant Irish traditional music scene in Galway City and explores changes in its soundscape, from 1961 to 1981. Changes in the world of traditional music, embedded in Irish traditional and Anglo-American folk music revival processes of the 1960s and 1970s, were also the result of societal and economic developments. Crucially, the novel playing of Irish traditional music in pubs, relocated from performances in dance halls and private spaces (homes), provided access, aided transmission and propelled music revival at local level and functioned as a fertile cultural ground. The theoretical lens of this historical ethnography focuses on micro and macro flows, and – extending anthropologist Arjun Appadurai’s concept – fluid spaces. This analytical prism enables a nuanced understanding of socio-cultural occurrences at the intersection of personal and societal spheres. Three particular stimuli emerge for Galway’s metamorphosis into an urban centre for Irish traditional music practice: revival efforts of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the second wave of Anglo-American folk revival, and site-specific circumstances. The latter comprise the city’s status as regional economic centre; transient and migration flows with surrounding, culturally rich rural areas; and grassroots flows with the University of Galway. Drawing an atlas of cultural practice, this thesis expands the knowledge of Irish traditional music in Galway and advances research on urban music revival. Crucially, it presents an original understanding of Galway’s cultural landscape, placing Irish traditional music at the root of Galway’s emerging festival culture, 1961 to 1981.