Music Muse Monday CAUGHT IN CELTIC TWILIGHT

Music Muse

Blind Irish Harpist and Poet

Turlough O'Carolan

(1670-1738)

SI BHEAG SI MOHR

One of the earliest songs that made him famous. He wrote a poem about a battle between the dwellers of two hills, one big, one small which is what Si Bheag Si Mohr means.

Further meaning has been much discussed amongst folklorists:

It is known that O'Carolan was asked to write a tune to end a war between two factions, that they might unite to repel their common enemy.  The two hills then, represented divisions of power within the country, and the 'common enemy'-eventually the English.  That's when druids went literally underground with their knowledge songs and sacred books, while the invaders lorded it over the land from above.
A Time Line
http://www.contemplator.com/carolan/timeline.html

 Planxty Live on Pipes and Guitars

First heard their version in 1974 and was so enthralled by the tone, tempo and tune itself,

I made an hour long loop tape to play, much to the consternation of neighbors, I think.

   

http://youtu.be/MW022i1tCLQ 

Versions Well Worth a Listen

There are thousands by now

 
Molly Bauckham's Harp Improvisation

http://youtu.be/zf26A2RaSH8 

Finding Common Thread-Steve Cooney, Guitar

http://youtu.be/uxRCOoeHFKM 

Tuatha de Danaan -Mandolin, Fiddle & More

http://youtu.be/KAenAs8f4Hc
David Summerford on Mountain Dulcimer

http://youtu.be/Fak4Ic5ewwU

Like brain waves and heart murmurings in kind across seas
look to Terri's musical offering to finish
Now
http://windling.typepad.com/blog/2012/02/tune-for-a.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00e54fcf738588340163014a4998970d