Sean Ó Riada was one of the most important figures in Irish music in the 1960s. He studied music at University College Cork, obtaining a degree in 1952. In 1959, he composed music for the documentary "Mise Éire" which brought him national recognition. He helped develop Irish music beyond traditional céilí bands by forming the group Ceoltóirí Chualann, bringing classical techniques to traditional Irish music.

1. Sean ÓRiada

2. Before Sean O
Riada…..
 We had Céilí Bands. What instruments can you
see?

3. Then along came…..

4. Developments
 Irish music and céilí bands became very popular
and began to develop among Irish immigrants.
 In the 1960’s céilí bands kept Irish dances alive and
brought them to a wider audience.

5. Sean Ó Riada
 One of the most important figures in Irish music in
the 1960’s.
 He studied at University College Cork where he
obtained a music degree in 1952.
 He composed a number of works in classical
European style.

6. Mise Éire
 In 1959 he composed music for a documentary
that made him a national figure.
 Mise Éire Seoladh na nGamhan
Can you identify any Irish features or instruments in this video?
Compare this music to music in ceili bands.
What differences can you hear?

7. CeoltóiríChualann

8.  Listen to this excerpt of music performed by
CeoltóiríChualann.

Can you spot the difference with this style of Irish
music?