Keltic Kaleidoscope
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Old Maid in the Garrett Old Maid in the Garrett
A woman laments the possibility that she die an old maid.
Slane Slane
This is an ancient tune played hauntingly on flute and keyboard. Slane is in County Meath, Ireland, which is a most historic area that includes the Hill of Tara, Kells, and New Grange. The song “Be Thou My Vision” is based on this melody.
Molly Malone (Cockles and mussels) Molly Malone (Cockles and mussels)
This is a song about, well, Molly Malone! There is a famous statue of her on Grafton Street in Dublin.
Dawted Mary Dawted Mary
Dawted Mary is a strathspey, a traditional Scottish dance tune.
Tom Dooley Tom Dooley
The song describes the hanging of Tom Dula (pronounced Dooley) in 1868 for the murder of Laura Foster. Much later, the song was a big hit the Kingston Trio.
The Foggy Dew (Old Version) The Foggy Dew (Old Version)
This song commemorates the “Easter Rising” in which a band of Irishmen took over the post office in Dublin. This ended badly for these men since most were hanged but the brutal British response spurred further rebellion and ultimate independence.
Scarborough Fair Scarborough Fair
This song was popularized by Simon and Garfunkel but is really a very old song that describes a medieval fair held annually in August and September.
Holy Manna Holy Manna
Traditional Christian hymn sung in the style of Sacred Harp with four part harmony. The lyrics were written by George Atkins (1819) and set to music by William Moore.
Star of the county down Star of the county down
This is a song about a young man's infatuation with a charming lass from the County Down.
Salve Regina Salve Regina
'Salve Regina' is a traditional Marian song performed in Gregorian and dates back to at least the 13th century.
Battle Hymn of the Republic Battle Hymn of the Republic
Abolitionist Julia Ward Howe wrote the lyric to this famous unionist song at the beginning of the Civil War but the melody is from a camp-meeting song by William Steffe of South Carolina around 1856.
Planxty Fanny Power Planxty Fanny Power
Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) is the most famous Irish composer of the Baroque era. He composed harp music for his patrons including Fanny Power's parents.
Carrickfergus (old version) Carrickfergus (old version)
The lovers are separated by Belfast Lough and need a ferryman to meet for one last time.
London Bridge Is Falling Down London Bridge Is Falling Down
Yet another version of a famous children's song.
