Ralls-MacLeod, Karen
Description
"This is a fascinating study of an important and neglected theme in Celtic literature and religion. Meticulously researched and sensitively written, i
...
t highlights the importance attached to music in both pre-Christian and early Christian Ireland and Scotland and its particular association with the Otherworld". -- Dr Ian Bradley, University of St Andrews
Covering themes close to Irish and Scottish folklore, this book explores the universal concept of the spiritual dimension of music from the Celtic sources.
Many cultures throughout history have made reference to a supernatural or spiritual dimension of music, and Scotland and Ireland are no exception. From the descriptions of the supernatural power of the 'fairy' harp in the Scottish ballads to the sacred music of God's Heaven in the saints' lives, the Celtic sources provide a rich and varied selection of references to music and its perceived supernatural power and influence.
This important book is the first ever comprehensive collection of references from primary source material in translation from early Celtic tales, folklore, ballads, place-lore, saints' lives, poetry and proverbs.
With the increasing popularity of World Music today, this original work is an essential study of the Celtic dimension of a universal phenomenon.
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