01. Ailein Duinn (Theme from Rob Roy)
This haunting lament was written by Annie Campbell in 1788 when her fiance, Allan Morrison, drowned on his way to their wedding on the Western Isles of Scotland. In the song she pledges to stay with him forever in the underworld of the sea. Her body was washed ashore a few months later. 02. I Dreamt I Dwelt In Marble Halls
This much-loved song with its rocking accompanyment was written by Dublin-born Michael Balfe in 1843 for his opera The Bohemian Girl. 03. She Moved Through The Fair
Herbert Hughes collected old Irish melodies and introduced them to a wider audience through his arrangements. This text by poet Padraig Colum, set by Hughes to an air from Donegal, is given a more contemporary treatment here. 04. Solveig's Song
This plaintive song, written by Edvard Grieg in 1876, is inspired by the folk music and legends of his native Norway. I love the ethereal wordless melody that forms its chorus. 05. I'm A Doun
This anonymous poem is written in Lallans, a literary version of English as spoken in the lowlands of Scotland. "I'm so sad because Johnny is gone. If he knew I was not well, im sure he would come to me. But if he has forsaken me, Ochon, what willl happen to me?" 06. I Wish My Love Was A Red Red Rose
There are many variations on this delicate song in England and Scotland. This version can be traced to the singer Sarah Makem from Keady, Northern Ireland. 07. Si do Mhaime
The rhythm of this traditional song drives its mocking words forwards: Do you think the rich old hag will get married? She might marry Sean Sheamais Mhor, but he is too young for her and will drink all her money away. 08. Since You And I Were True
John Spillane is a young composer from Cork with a gift of writing poetic songs that sound like they have existed forever. This one reminds me of the traditional air, "Ard Ti Chuain." 09. The Death of Queen Jane
This English folk song portrays King Henry VIII as a concerned, loving hu*****and, quite a change of reputation for him! I have linked it with a short song, echoing the melancholy mood of the storyline, by William Cornysh, who wrote much of the music in Henry's court in the early 1500s. 10. Close Your Eyes
This lilting Gaelic lullabye is set near Tra Li, a fishing town on the West coast of Ireland. I tried to retain the simplicity of the original Irish in this part-translation. The mother is promising her baby all kinds of good things in the morning, if only he will sleep now. 11. One I Love
When I first heard this song, the images and melody struck me as so vivid and strong that I assumed it was from the Irish folk tradition. In fact, it was written by Appalachian singer-songwriter Jean Ritchie. She spent a number of years collecting folk music in Ireland and this song seems to form a link with that time. 12. Celtic Prayer
David Agnew wrote this simple prayer for his own children the song seeks a bright future for them and ends with a celebratory dance. | 
