Today will probably feature more Irish songs, singers and melodies in honor of the holiday. This is neither a good nor bad thing given that the response is completely up to the reader/listener.

I recall music classes focusing on “Danny Boy” and “Irish Eyes are Smiling” as well as “Down by the Sally Garden.” While these are maybe the more well-known songs, I am sure there is plenty more to define the Irish music experience.

That led me to a question on a wider spectrum – what is it that defines a culture, a country in terms of music? When it comes to Ireland, is it the Celtic Woman, the Irish Tenors or someone/something else that comes to mind?

In terms of Russian, while classical music has been fortunate with Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky. But how many have had a chance to hear Inna and the Farlanders?

In terms of English music, can we stretch our minds (and ears) beyond the melodies played in the days of Robin Hood or the Beatles? In terms of vocal talents, Russell Watson is worth listening to.

Given the wonderful world of music, it would be a good day to explore a bit more of the world through different countries’ offerings of instrument and song.