The Fiddler's Frenzy (21:28)
In The Fiddler's Frenzy, Aoife Nic Cormaic presents a bi-lingual feature about fiddle players and the magic of fiddling - clár dhátheangach a bhreathnaíonn ar an ndraíocht a bhaineann le ceol na fidile.
The fiddle is one of the most popular instruments in Ireland and evidence suggests that this has been the case throughout history - indeed there is evidence of bowed instruments in
Dublin dating back even as far as the 11th century.
Over the centuries the form of the fiddle (or violin) has developed and the one now seen played, only emerged in Italy in 1550. But its popularity has never waned and tin fiddles were even used in some areas when wooden ones were harder to come by.
For some people the attraction of the fiddle is its closeness to the human voice, its range and adaptability. It is also a very beautiful instrument, which is equally at home playing jazz, bluegrass, classical music, folk or traditional music.
In the documentary, Aoife Nic Cormaic talks to fiddle players - including Martin Hayes, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Charlie Lennon about the attraction of the fiddle.
Listeners will also hear voices from the archives speaking about their love of fiddles and fiddle music.
Aoife also talks to fiddle maker Kieran Crehan, and to writers and folklorists about the fact and the fiction associated with the instrument.
Produced by Aoife Nic Cormaic. Production supervision by Lorelei Harris.
"The Fiddler's Frenzy" was first broadcdast on the 5th March 2003.
It was part of a short season of bi-lingual documentaries called 'Fusion' in the Documentary on One slot on RTÉ Radio 1.
An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries
Also (partial listing - click here for directory):
Even the Walls were Sweatin' - A radio documentary about dance halls and the ballroom in Charlestown, Co Mayo
Like Feathers on the Breath of God - A documentary about the power of hymns by Séamus Kelly
The Tar Road to Sligo - A documentary about musicians Thom Moore and Vincent Harrison and their relationship to Ireland and America.
Behind the mic - A radio documentary about a young hip hop Irish act from Ballymun, Dublin, Urban Intelligence.
The Glen Road to Carrick - A radio documentary about the fiddle player Paul O'Shaughnessy
Bachelors Last Waltz - A radio documentary about Sunday dancing and dancing at the crossroads.
House of Song - A radio documentary about the last professional song collector in Ireland, Tom Munnelly.
Gael Linn - A radio documentary celebrating fifty years of Gael Linn.
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