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Tin Whistle, Penny Whistle, Irish Whistle
Hey all Spencer with another musical instrument to share!
So we have three names of whistles in this topic title, what are the differences?
NothingAll three are synonymous, probably have different names because the whistle is so widely used in diverse cultures and regions.
I love the whistle as it is rather easily played,and has such a joyful character to its tone.The whistle is is very popular in its use as you can here it in themes such as “concerning hobbits” from LOTR, certain themes from “How to Train Your Dragon” and many more.
Whistles come in all keys and registers. The length of the tubing determines the key and register. Short means it will play higher, and longer means lower. The Irish whistle is most commonly tuned to D, but whistlers often have an array of whistles in different keys to play with ensembles.
With that said there are only two parts to the whistle, the tubing or shank (other people may use other terminology), and the mouth piece. The mouth piece works by having a thin slit that you blow into that leads air through the shank. A hole (generally rectangular or sometimes teardrop shaped) is cut out on top that splits the air producing a pitch.The instrument can was traditionally made with tin, hence the name. Now days a professional whistle is normally made from nickel (softer feeling), or Brass (bright feeling). Additionally whistles are made from wood, PVC, plastic, or other metals. The term “penny whistle” is not made of copper from what I have heard, the names comes from people playing on the street and you gave them a penny.
The standard whistle has 6 holes. by removing a finger from covered holes it plays the next note in the scale. Whistles have a lower and higher octave (2 octave range) which can be played by blowing softly (low octave), or blowing faster (upper octave).
It is a beautiful instrument that has the fantasy feel to it, check out these videos to hear it in action. All of these are great pieces!
However, these are just a few of my favorites, if you want to hear more, ask me for some recommendation!Here is “concerning hobbits”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRgBI0WqWp4Here is a traditional Irish dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gffi7iYk7z8Here is a German folk band “Faun”, very beautiful opening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOvsyamoEDgA fun fast piece by “The Corrs” an irish band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a41IPN7sKNk -
1 Reply
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Still loving Irish music
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