Musical statues: Monumentalising Irish traditional music

Abstract

The year 2016 has generated a considerable degree of both academic and popular interest into processes of remembering and public forms of commemoration which in turn provoke questions about the meaning and interpretation of heritage and culture. Contributing to that conversation, this essay reflects on the commemoration of Irish traditional music and musicians, a practice that has emerged over the past four decades. It gives particular attention to monumentalisation, that is, the material expression of placing statuary and monuments in honour of Irish musicians. Entwining geographical resonances from other 2016 centenaries that pertain to Irish traditional music, this essay considers the ways in which these have become embedded into the cultural and musical identity of contemporary Ireland.