Wind That Shakes the Barley

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a traditional Irish reel, commonly played in sessions and widely recorded in both traditional and contemporary Irish music circles. Typically set in Dorian mode, it is a staple in the Irish fiddle and flute repertoire and is often used to showcase ornamentation and rhythmic variation. Its exact origins are unclear, but it has been part of the tradition since at least the 19th century. Though it shares a name with a 19th-century ballad about the 1798 Irish Rebellion, the reel The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a separate instrumental tune with no direct historical connection. The two are often confused, but they are distinct works within Irish musical tradition.