Looking for a tune to play at an Irish wedding.

March 7, 2013 12:20 PM

To the Irish out there: What's a nice traditional tune to play at an Irish wedding? Not during the ceremony, just during the after party. I'll be solo on flute. Nothing too long, and nothing that would require an accompaniment. It's a casual affair. Something slow and pretty, or fast and upbeat, old or new... I'm up for anything! Thanks in advance! Sláinte!
posted by anonymous to media & arts (15 answers total)

Noted flute player James Galway has a CD of traditional Celtic tunes. Although he's accompanied, you could do a lot of them solo.
posted by gauche at 12:28 PM on March 7 [1 favorite]

My Lagan Love is appropriate - and charming.
posted by Currer Belfry at 12:38 PM on March 7

I've been asked to do "She moved through the fair" at weddings before. But when the time came for my own wedding, I chose "Si Beag, Si Mor"
posted by LN at 12:42 PM on March 7 [2 favorites]

The Wedding Reel (also known as Macleod's Farewell)--the first tune Lunasa plays here.
posted by JuliaJellicoe at 12:44 PM on March 7

I like the Coulin
posted by alfanut at 12:56 PM on March 7

It would be wrong for me to suggest you play "Cock Up Your Beaver" right?

I might go with O'Rourkes Feast, or O'Carolan's Farewell to Music, or O'Carolan's Ramble to Cashel. I also like Planxty Drew quite a bit. If none of those do it for you, check out some of the others on this page.
posted by jph at 12:59 PM on March 7 [1 favorite]

Marie's Wedding?
posted by Ideefixe at 1:01 PM on March 7

At my sister's wedding, they played Van Morrison and the Chieftains' version of She Walks Through the Fair. It was really beautiful. The hair still stands up on my arms a bit when I listen to it and read the lyrics, although it's a bit of a sad story, if you get through it all.
posted by SpacemanStix at 1:20 PM on March 7

I found the two wedding-related tunes by Haakon Esplo featured on this page of samples of Alba Whistles pretty charming. Apparently he's got some tracks on sale on Amazon.
posted by nicolin at 2:05 PM on March 7

You might try "Slane," probably best known as the popular Irish hymn Be Thou My Vision (YouTube). The original folk song is about the Hill of Slane.

There are a TON of videos, and the sheet music for any number of versions should be easy to find. Here's a more classical flute version. Here's an Irish flute and harp version.
posted by Madamina at 2:40 PM on March 7

It would be wrong for me to suggest you play "Cock Up Your Beaver" right?

Also presumably out is Niel Gow's "Lament for the death of his second wife".

Since Gow was technically Scottish.
posted by lambdaphage at 5:38 PM on March 7 [1 favorite]

I dunno b'y, Morrison's and the Kesh? Danceable, instantly recognizable, esp. if the family is "Irish" as opposed to Irish.
posted by gohabsgo at 7:09 PM on March 7

If by "Irish" you mean American Irish just play "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling".
posted by Potomac Avenue at 4:30 AM on March 8

Give Me Your Hand is nice mellow air that is still rhythmic enough not to get lost in. I've linked you a recording of the Chieftains, who are a large band, but it's the kind of thing that solo flute would be lovely with as well. Also a nice "wedding" title, though apparently it refers to shaking hands after an argument rather than getting married.
posted by aimedwander at 11:25 AM on March 8

My Love's an Arbutus is a lovely Irish melody.
posted by essexjan at 12:14 PM on March 8