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Against this historical backdrop some sixty generations of "illiterate"
Bards and Seanchaidhs (Oral Historians) have composed and preserved song
and poetry going back in unbroken tradition to the Clan Feni in Ireland.
With their talents and artistry they have enhanced romantic hero
tales of medieval and post medieval origin and the earlier heroic tradition
from their very origins in Dalriada.
To this rich heritage has been added compositions through to the
mid-twentieth century inspired by every aspect of people and landscape and
latterly, and sadly, by war, emigration and exile.
Compositions prior to 1550 can be recognised by their two line verse
style where the last line of the first verse is repeated as the first line
of the second verse (and so on) but always retaining the first line tune.
Some ancient songs are also composed in irregular paragraphs marked by the
same end rhyme.
However, as in other cultures, individual bardic styles have enhanced
the tradition over the generations and these changes, from different areas
of Gaeldom, all contribute to the Gaelic song as we know it today.
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