Monday, February 13, 2012

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.
   
Versions Well Worth a Listen
There are thousands by now
 
Molly Bauckham's Harp Improvisation
Finding Common Thread-Steve Cooney, Guitar
Tuatha de Danaan -Mandolin, Fiddle & More

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


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



3 comments:

jude said...

wonderful selection here, thanks!

deanna7trees said...

love the dulcimer. oh dear...fairies having battle...i would not have imagined.

Peggy said...

Fabulous! Each video got better and better, I've really enjoyed this, thanks!