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Altan
Altanlive.jpg
Background information
Origin County Donegal, Ireland
Genres Irish traditional
Folk
Celtic
Years active 1987–present
Labels Compass
Members Mired Ni Mhaonaigh, Ciaran Curran, Mark Kelly, Daithi Sproule, Martin Tourish
Past members Frankie Kennedy

Altan is a famous musical group from County Donegal, a beautiful place in the north-west of Ireland. They are known for playing amazing Irish traditional music, which is a very old and special type of music from Ireland. Altan has been playing together since 1987, sharing their unique sound with people all over the world. They help keep Irish culture alive through their beautiful songs and tunes.

Discovering Altan: Irish Music Masters

Altan is one of the most well-known groups playing traditional Irish music. They have helped many people around the world discover and love this type of music. Their songs often tell stories or make you want to dance. The band's name, Altan, comes from a lake in County Donegal, showing their strong connection to their home.

The Unique Sound of Altan

Altan's music is special because it mixes old Irish tunes with new energy. They play lively jigs and reels, which are fast dance tunes, and also slow, beautiful airs. Their music often features the lovely sound of the fiddle and the Irish flute. They create a sound that is both exciting and calming.

Instruments They Play

The members of Altan are very skilled musicians. They play many traditional Irish instruments. The fiddle, played by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, is a key part of their sound. Other instruments include the bouzouki, guitar, and accordion. These instruments come together to create their rich and full sound.

From Donegal to the World

Altan started in County Donegal, a region famous for its strong traditional music. The band members grew up surrounded by this music, learning from their families and local musicians. They have traveled all over the world, performing in many countries. This has helped them share the beauty of Irish music with a global audience.

The Heart of Irish Music

County Donegal is like a home for traditional Irish music. Many great musicians come from there. Altan's music truly shows the spirit of Donegal. They play tunes that have been passed down through generations. This helps keep the history and stories of Ireland alive through music.

Altan's Musical Journey

Over the years, Altan has released many successful albums. Each album is a collection of traditional tunes and songs. They have won awards and gained many fans because of their talent and dedication. They continue to tour and record, bringing joy to listeners everywhere.

Sharing Irish Culture

Altan does more than just play music; they share Irish culture. Their songs are often sung in the Irish language, called Gaelic. This helps people learn about Ireland's language and traditions. They are like musical ambassadors for their country.

Websites

  • Altan's Official Website: http://www.altan.ie
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