Author: peadar

Damhsa ‘n tSuláin. (Dance of the Sulán) (1:49)

This tune was part of a longer more drawn out affair, which my brother-in-law Kevin Glacken played while I twanged away on the Tambura.   The whole affair was in praise of the Sulán River, from its birth, on down the mountain sides, through the plains of Carraig a Phúca, east through Macroom, until its coupling with the River Lee and their final surrender to the sea at Cork.  The Sulán is supposedly the only male river in Ireland.  It is said that it drowns someone every seven years.   It is a mountain river and very powerful as it fills very easily (Soth- Lán).  We all grew up learning to have great respect for it.

Click here for score     Damhsa ‘n tSuláin. (Dance of the Sulán) PDF

 



 

Lily of the Valley (3:19)

This is Lily Van Oost’s nickname.  She was Belgian, very creative and had a great understanding of herbs and things of nature.  Her garden always had collections of old bird or sheep skulls and feathers and other interesting touchstones.   Her wool sculptures were wonderful affairs and anyone who possesses one is really lucky as there are not that many around.

Click here for score     Lily of the Valley.mus

The Rubber Band’s Brother 

This slide was coposed during Éigse Dhiarmuidín whilest we were recording the album and goes with the "EIgse Slide" The first line bears a strong resemblance to another slide composed and recorded on the previous album (Triúr sa Draighean).  That one was originally called the “Rubber Band” after the rubber band, holding my accordion together, which snapped while we were rehearsing.  Caoimhin is mainly responsible for any accordion playing I do.  I forgot the name when we were writing the sleeve notes for the last cd and called it ‘Caoimhin’s slide’ but it was originally the ‘Rubber Band”.  And now, here is it’s brother!

Click here for score     The Rubber Band's Brother.mus

Winter Hornpipe (3:16)

A hornpipe was needed for this cd and it was dark and raining and sleeting outside the window when this tune arrived.

Click here for score     The Winter Hornpipe.mus