Good morning, Winnipeg! As we approach St. Patrick's Day, let's immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Irish music. Here's a playlist for this Saturday, March 15, at 9 a.m., featuring selections that celebrate Ireland's musical heritage.
9:00am-- Percy Grainger – "Irish Tune from County Derry" Performed by the Chamber Choir of Ireland, this piece is Grainger's arrangement of the traditional melody known as "Danny Boy." Grainger's setting captures the tune's poignant beauty, reflecting the deep emotions associated with Irish folk music.
9:03am--Arthur Sullivan – "Irish Symphony," 1st Movement Conducted by Richard Hickox with the BBC Philharmonic, this symphony showcases Sullivan's admiration for Irish culture. The first movement introduces themes inspired by Irish melodies, blending classical form with Celtic charm.
9:16am--"The Last Rose of Summer" – James Galway and The Chieftains This rendition features the renowned flutist James Galway alongside the traditional Irish band, The Chieftains. "The Last Rose of Summer," a poem by Thomas Moore, has been set to various melodies over time, becoming a symbol of enduring beauty and melancholy.
9:20am-- Charles Villiers Stanford – "Irish Rhapsody No. 6 for Violin and Orchestra" Violinist Lydia Mordkovich joins the Ulster Orchestra under Vernon Handley's baton in this rhapsody. Stanford, an Irish composer, weaves traditional Irish tunes into classical structures, highlighting the violin's expressive capabilities.
9:33am-- "She Moved Through the Fair" – Sinéad O’Connor In this haunting rendition, Sinéad O’Connor interprets the traditional Irish folk song "She Moved Through the Fair," accompanied by a studio orchestra. The song tells a story of love and loss, capturing the ethereal quality of Irish folklore.
9:38am--George Alexander Osborne – "Shower of Pearls" Pianist Una Hunt performs Osborne's "Shower of Pearls," a piece that exemplifies the 19th-century Romantic style infused with Irish melodic elements. Osborne, an Irish composer and pianist, contributed significantly to piano literature of his time.
9:42am--Arthur Duff – "Echoes of Georgian Dublin: The Tender Lover and Rigaudon" The RTE Sinfonietta, conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn, brings to life Duff's suite, which reflects the elegance of 18th-century Dublin. "The Tender Lover" and "Rigaudon" are movements that evoke the city's historical charm through dance forms.
9:47am--"Molly Malone" – The Blarney Lads This version of "Molly Malone," performed by The Blarney Lady, tells the tale of Dublin's famed fishmonger. The song, often considered Dublin's unofficial anthem, narrates the story of a young woman who peddled her wares through the streets, embodying the spirit of the city.
9:50am--William Vincent Wallace – "Au Bord de la Mer, Nocturne for Piano" Pianist Rosemary Tuck interprets Wallace's "Au Bord de la Mer," a nocturne that captures the serene beauty of the sea. Wallace, though Irish-born, composed this piece reflecting the broader Romantic fascination with nature and emotion.
9:56am-- "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" – The Irish Tenors. The Irish Tenors deliver a heartfelt performance of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," a song that epitomizes the warmth and charm associated with Irish culture. Its cheerful melody and lyrics have made it a favorite among audiences worldwide.
Enjoy this musical journey through Ireland's rich heritage as we celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick's Day!