Saint Patrick’s Day: Celtic Favorites
Éirinn go Brách! Celtic music, including the traditional music of Ireland, is one of the greatest musical influences of my life, and it is a delight to be able highlight some of the Celtic currents that continue to flow through my playlists... Here I present to you a mix of contemporary Celtic folk as well as the kinds of very traditional Irish pieces without which Saint Patrick's Day would feel incomplete to me!
Mary Black- “Colcannon”
"Heartwarming" is the word that comes to mind when I think of this song... With its beautiful harmonies and the bright piercing voice of the inimitable Mary Black, "Colcannon" expresses nostalgia for home and the love of family, especially a mother's love in preparing favorite foods.
Whalebone- "The Otter’s Holt"
I have recently become infatuated with this downtempo interpretation of the traditional Irish reel "The Otter's Holt," which is usually performed at a breakneck pace... I love getting to savor the melody more when it is played at this slower speed, suggesting the carefree playfulness of an otter near its riverside home.
Mychael and Jeff Danna- “The Blood of Cu Chulainn”
“The Blood of Cuchulain” is an adventurous and majestic symphonic composition from the beautiful album A Celtic Romance: Legend of Liadain and Curithir, an atmospheric album inspired by Celtic legends. Cu Chulainn was known in stories as a great warrior and even a demigod.
Solas- “A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O"
Solas' interpretation of "A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O" is strangely and intensely romantic even though it is about a place rather than a person. Written by the Cistercian priest Father Maurus ó Faoláin, it is full of love for the "Sweet Comeraghs," the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford.
Selections from Syr
I am delighted to be able to present you with selections from the musical work of the acoustic Celtic folk rock band Syr (pronounced "sire"). Their music evokes a spirit of adventure such that when I hear it, I feel as if I were 12-15 years old again, reading the Redwall series by Brian Jacques (one of my favorites growing up) for the first time! The song "Eulalia" from The Winter King is inspired by the Redwall series, and it is named after the war cry of the fearless hares and badgers of the fire mountain of Salamandastron. While I am not sure which legend or work of fantasy specifically inspired "Oracles," the lyrics remind me of Aragorn, the future High King of Gondor, as he was growing up in the elven realm of Rivendell. "Revenant" is a romantic imperative to join in a walk toward destiny, and “T'ir N'Aill" is an atmospheric evocation of the Otherworld.
The Winter King, "Eulalia" and "Oracles"
Revenant, "Revenant," "T'ir N'Aill"
Longing for Orpheus- “The Shores of Loughrea”
A vital influence In the music of Longing for Orpheus is Celtic music! Here Derek Smootz presents us with an ethereal arrangement of Celtic traditional with an acoustic flute lead.
Sleepthief- “Airmid”
While not a strictly arranged in a Celtic style, Sleepthief’s “Airmid” is still inspired by figures from Celtic mythology, possessing a beautiful intensity and a stark melody hat suggests the modes of ancient times.
The Gothard Sisters- “Wise One”
This delightful, refreshing, and vibrant composition from the family band the Gothard Sisters is full of the kind of energy one craves on Saint Patrick’s Day. It is perhaps more folk than Celtic per se but very evocative of fantasy... Its innocent wonder reminds me specifically of the unique relationship between the harfoot Nori and the wizard (presumed to be Gandalf) from the Amazon series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, especially since the word wizard means “wise one”!
The Dubliners- “The Rocky Road to Dublin"
This iconic song from the Dubliners features in the film “Sherlock Holmes” with Robert Downey, Jr. and speaks of a man’s ad ensures on the way to Dublin on foot. It’s lyrics are a challenge to even music hall lyrical prowess!
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