Irish Folksongs comprise a body of material verying
greatly in extent and impressive in quality. Singing
and story-telling were the most common forms of
entertainment in Gaelic culture, and singers were
praised for their skills of delivery and
interpretation; for their powers of ornamentation in
the style known as sean-nós; and for their ability to
involve the listeners in the mood and atmosphere of the
song. That dramatic elements were significant in
performance is suggested by the traditional...(+)
Irish Folksongs comprise a body of material verying
greatly in extent and impressive in quality. Singing
and story-telling were the most common forms of
entertainment in Gaelic culture, and singers were
praised for their skills of delivery and
interpretation; for their powers of ornamentation in
the style known as sean-nós; and for their ability to
involve the listeners in the mood and atmosphere of the
song. That dramatic elements were significant in
performance is suggested by the traditional form of
request: ‘abair amhrán’, ‘say a song’. The
folksongs of the Irish are amongst the richest folk
legacies in Western Europe, combining as they do music
and poetry of great antiquity.
This is a traditional Irish folk song about leaving the
Emerald Isle and heading to America leaving behind the
great love of their life - Ireland.
Although originally written for traditional folk
instruments, I created this arrangement for Harp and
Strings (Violin, Viola & Cello).
