The tenth performance is three reels, ‘Lillies in the Field’, ‘The Green Fields of Rossbeigh’ and ‘The Humours of Tullamore’ and were chosen by mandolin player Gerry Whelan to be played together. The first tune is introduced by a large end-blown bass Bronze Age trumpet – dord íseal in the key of D and this sets the scene for a lifting break away modulation into E with a mid-range end-blown Bronze Age trumpet – dord ard.

Finally, the music moves into a higher gear with the introduction of sean nós dancer Brian Cunningham, bringing the piece to a tremendous crescendo. The percussion is unusual in that a frame drum (bodhrán) and an African drum are played together. Both are then joined by two pairs of bones and the powerful rhythm of the dancer. The sound is also driven by the stringed instruments, which are playing the melody. An overall effect of exciting lifting urgency is achieved and its success may be realised through the enthusiastic reaction of the audience. Musicians left to right: – John Meskell – Bronze Age bass trumpet – dord íseal, Frank Ryan – African cactus drum, Maria Cullen O’Dwyer – bodhrán, Derek O’Shea – flute, Simon O’Dwyer – mid-range Bronze Age trumpet (dord-ard), Gerry Whelan – mandolin, Kevin Whelan – mandolin, Mick Crehan – whistle, Pat Power – bouzouki, Bonnie Rideout – bones. Brian Cunningham – sean nós dancer of Fuaim Chonamara Cunningham Dance.

Rod Callan – Sound Engineer Rod has recorded both original and reproduction ancient horns and trumpets with Ancient Music Ireland since the research first began over thirty years ago. In this instance he travelled from Penylan Studios in Wales to record the ‘Overtone Live Acoustic’ concert in Galway. His expertise and experience with the instruments perfectly captured the complexity and multi-colours of the sound. Penylan Studios