Culture & Creativity

Danny Boy is a well-known Irish song whose melody may also be heard in the instrumental tune Londonderry Air. This recording is very unique as the song does not start out with the standard melody or harmony parts, in fact the lyrics are different. Emmet Cahill of the group Celtic Thunder performs Danny Boy with an additional introduction section to the song. The original first verse is not heard until almost two minutes into the piece. By changing the beginning of the song, it made the song new and unique, as well as telling the story of Danny Boy from the viewpoint of those left behind in a different way. The first verse is built off of the original second and third verses. The rest is additional lyrics added to transition between the introduction to the original verses. Personally, I have always loved the song Danny Boy, it may be one of the reasons I enjoy Irish music so much. The first time I heard this song, I was caught off guard and had to listen to it again, but changing the lyrics at the start add another dimension to the song. I don’t think this version of the song demotes the original at all, instead it offers another viewpoint into the story, which I think is one of the points Campbell makes. In allowing students to take melodies from another culture and providing them with opportunities to compose and improvise provides the opportunity for further exploration into a song. One way a song is performed or envisioned may connect to one person, while another arrangement of the same song may connect with someone else. The individuality, creativity, and uniqueness of students is important to old and new works. In addition, Campbell states that there are differences between cultural groups that may agree with their works being transcribed and arranged differently, while others are against the idea. It is important for teachers to know the difference between cultures and make that known to students as to not offend another culture. By doing so, students will also understand the importance of learning about other cultures and being sensitive to their wishes. 

Campbell, Patricia Shehan. (2004). Teaching Music Globally: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford University Press.