May Tunes - 2024

Puirt à beul is a traditional form of song native to Scotland that sets Gaelic lyrics to instrumental tune melodies. Historically, the songs were used to accompany dancing in the absence of instruments and to transmit instrumental tunes orally. [According to Wikipedia]

A very old melody, the origin of The Eagle’s Whistle is shrouded in the mists of time. The Irish O’Donovan clan claim it as their clan march, while the Manx repertoire has it as Arane ny Niee - The Washing Song - a fairy song heard by mothers washing their babies feet in the stream.

The Scottish version has been played by Aly Bain with the Boys of the Lough, as well as Blazin Fiddles.  We have it in our repertoire (6.27) as a Bourree, with a time signature of 3/8.  The Session has multiple settings, from 2/4 to 9/8. As old melodies do, it has traveled, and we find it as Bonaparte’s Retreat in the Appalachians. 

The Am jig Fear an Dùin Mhòir is well known in Scotland and Cape Breton. In English, the tune titles range from Laird of Dunmore  (sometimes Earl or Lord) to The Bride’s Jig, Brisk Young Lads, and Bung in Your Eye. The melody is also related to the Irish jig, Lanigan’s Ball.

Did You See the Deer - (Fac Thu na Feidh) is another jig, in G this time, but not resolving at the end. Like many Scottish tunes, we are left hanging with the 6th of the scale. The melody is also found in Wales, while the rhythmic structure is similar to Over the Water to Charlie, and The De’ils awa wi th’Exciseman.