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| Robert Tincher playing the bodhran. |
The kids kind-of zoned out, but I had a great time! Mr. Tincher explained in detail how the Scots-Irish came to the Appalachian mountains, beginning his story in the 1500's and interspersing his dialogue with songs, some of them which he performed first in their original Celtic version and then again in their Appalachian version, illustrating how some songs changed but amazingly remained very much the same, something that is unique about Appalachian music and language, something I love.
Some enlightening things from the concert:
1. The song the kids sing called "Shady Grove" is derived from the original song called "Maddie Groves" - which was an adulterous murder ballad (no surprise). Have heard both songs but never made the connection. Makes total sense now.
2. Irish folk song called "Skuball" which is a true story about a race horse, became the famous folksong "Stewball".
3. Froggie Went A-Courtin' was originally written as a wedding song for Mary Queen of Scots in the 1500s (she was Miss Mousie). It's hardly changed at all and still sung in the mountains (and by my kids).
4. Most importantly, we confirmed some things we always thought about our Appalachian Scots-Irish heritage: They were independent people who wanted their freedom, after having served for several years in America as indentured workers, they fled to the mountains. Their heritage and character even in Ireland was as noticeably wild, independent and proud people - also deeply religious and determined to worship God in their own way. All these traits have continued nearly unchanged in the mountains where they finally settled and hid out, perfectly content to live their lives their own way and not be bothered.
5. Interestingly, Tincher even mentioned their great love of sports (probably connected to the Scottish clans and games), which in my own warped way I think explains the great love of basketball by the people of Kentucky. Ha!
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