The Iolaire disaster spawned a couple of airs and laments , though I don't know them - Google should help.
Lewis is sadly one of the last outposts for unaccompanied (usually Gaelic) psalm-singing: some of the tunes may be suitable for you. A good and worthy source of such CD's is the Bethesda Hospice site:
Hi Tom, I'd suggest "Ailein Duinn". It's a song about a captain (Roderick Morrison) from Lewis, whose ship and all hands were lost at sea. He had been on his way from Lewis to Harris to get married. His bride to be (Annie Campbell) died of a broken heart shortly afterwards. This lament was written by her.
I'm afraid I don't have all the words, and my Gaelic isn't good enough to lift them from the recording. The CD you can find a recording of this song on (track 7 on the cd), is by the band "Mac-Talla" - NOT the Irish band of a similar name. It was recorded on the Temple record label, in 1994. (COMD2054)
I think you'll find the song has a very beautiful, but haunting air to it.
Tom - "the story of the Iolaire goes so deep "
That is certainly true - I don't think there was a single village on the island that did not lose several of its young men that day. My parents' generation (ie those from Lewis in their 70s/80s now) all lost close relatives or friends, and the memories of the disaster live strongly to this day.
Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
I'm looking for a lament from Lewis (Hebrides) to help emote a very tragic story. Can anyone make any suggestions?
Thanks
Tom
# Posted on March 28th 2006 by tombliss
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Tom
The Iolaire disaster spawned a couple of airs and laments , though I don't know them - Google should help.
Lewis is sadly one of the last outposts for unaccompanied (usually Gaelic) psalm-singing: some of the tunes may be suitable for you. A good and worthy source of such CD's is the Bethesda Hospice site:
http://shop.bethesdahospice.co.uk/index.jsp
Try contacting Session members Skigersta or Mandy or FrankRennie, all of who are lucky enough to live on Lewis
I'll keep an eye on this thread with interest
# Posted on March 28th 2006 by domnull
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Tom
........or contact the Lewis Fiddle/accordion Club - Ian the chairman's a nice helpful guy
http://www.lh-afc.co.uk/
Some of the airs on their CD may be suitable
# Posted on March 28th 2006 by domnull
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Thanks domnull - I've emailed Ian.
# Posted on March 28th 2006 by tombliss
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Hi Tom, I'd suggest "Ailein Duinn". It's a song about a captain (Roderick Morrison) from Lewis, whose ship and all hands were lost at sea. He had been on his way from Lewis to Harris to get married. His bride to be (Annie Campbell) died of a broken heart shortly afterwards. This lament was written by her.
I'm afraid I don't have all the words, and my Gaelic isn't good enough to lift them from the recording. The CD you can find a recording of this song on (track 7 on the cd), is by the band "Mac-Talla" - NOT the Irish band of a similar name. It was recorded on the Temple record label, in 1994. (COMD2054)
I think you'll find the song has a very beautiful, but haunting air to it.
Please pass my regards on to Tom Napper.
# Posted on March 29th 2006 by Ron P
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
have you considered trying to write one of your own in that style with the desired feel you're looking for?
# Posted on March 29th 2006 by lisaniska
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Thanks Ron - will do. And yes, lisaniska, I would normally - but the story of the Iolaire goes so deep that I'd prefer to use something that's right.
# Posted on March 29th 2006 by tombliss
Re: Looking for an air or lament from Lewis
Tom - "the story of the Iolaire goes so deep "
That is certainly true - I don't think there was a single village on the island that did not lose several of its young men that day. My parents' generation (ie those from Lewis in their 70s/80s now) all lost close relatives or friends, and the memories of the disaster live strongly to this day.
# Posted on March 29th 2006 by domnull
Re: go for it
tombliss
depth and 'rightness' may turn out to be the same _try
john
# Posted on April 29th 2006 by lisaniska