Through this program, the story of Irish music is told. Music from the early itinerant harpers to modern Irish music are included, including the popular ballad Danny Boy, lullabies, and traditional dance tunes.
The music of Carolan follows the explanation of three main traits of Irish music, Suantrai, Gentrai, and Goltrai. Bridget Cruise (who made Carolan sad) is followed by Fanny Power (who gave him great joy), which allows another time to show the differences in how the music expresses emotion.
Because poetry is important to Irish tradition, it makes sense to include Irish poets set to music, making choices from well known pieces. I often read the words to one of these, depending on the length of time alloted to the event.
Hymnody and St. Patrick, if there's time in the program also includes the Hymn to St. Patrick, and a bit of discussion about St. Patrick, who was never formally canonsed!
"Immigrant music" goes back to music collected by Chief O'Neill of Chicago and the strong Irish presence in the city. South Side Planxty is an original composition that combines elements of Irish music with more recent music influences from Chicago.
The official "end" of this program is always The Parting of the Friends, literally a "parting song", but as friends depart from their gathering. While the words aren't sad , the tune has a sadness to it. The lyrics are actually hopeful that friends will again reunite and departure is only temporary. As Americans, we're used to a more boisterous send off, to as an encore, High Spirits or Pure Joy is offered for a happier sounding note.
Sheet music from this program includes:
Be Thou My Vision ~ available from Melody's Music in TX (PDF only)
Irish Fantasia ~ available from Melody's Music in TX (PDF only)
The Garten's Mother's Lullaby and A Lullaby (O'Neill) ~ free download
Carolan's Welcome ~ free download
High Spirits and Pure Joy ~ availble from Melody's Music
Carolan's Receipt and O'Flinn
