Paul Wells

Just How Old Are These Tunes Anyway? A Brief Historical Overview of the Fiddle Tune Repertoire

February 10, 2020 By

Instructor: Paul Wells
Lecture

There is widespread misconception about how far back in time the repertoire of tunes that we all know and love extends. One often hears that today’s fiddlers play tunes that are four or five hundred years old, when, in reality, the very oldest tunes still in common circulation date from the mid-to-late 18th century. The internet—which can be a wonderful resource—unfortunately is rife with misinformation. In this talk I will give a short survey of some historical materials regarding the development of the “modern” fiddle tune repertoire.

Wicked Good Fiddling: Traditional Music in Maine in the Era of Statehood

February 10, 2020 By

Instructor: Paul Wells
Lecture

A look at tunes drawn from published and manuscript sources of the 1820s that illustrate connections–or not–to present-day tradition.

The Irish Tradition in America: An Interview with Seamus Connolly

December 13, 2019 By

Instructor: Seamus Connolly
All Levels; All Instruments
Interview

Join fiddle scholars Paul Wells and Sally Sommers Smith as they chat with National Heritage Fellow Seamus Connolly about the musicians and personalities that have made Irish traditional music so prominent in America today. Seamus is a storied player, performer, teacher, and collector of Irish music; he will share with us some of his rare recordings and reminiscences of his own musical heroes. Come listen, learn, and ask a question!