CM039 © 2023 Castlebay Music


Instrumental Music

Music was richly woven into the tapestry of 17th century culture both in the court and on the street. Melodies passed between the classes through the oral tradition shifting from the chambers of the aristocracy to the dance floor, the theater and the tavern.

These selections are representative of music enjoyed by both high and low members of society and are documented in manuscripts for formal ensembles as well as popular broadsides or in the plays of the time.

This collection of 17th century music features Celtic harp, classical guitar, Irish flute, and other instruments

CM038© 2019 Castlebay Music


Songs for Christmas

This is a collection of some of our favorite Christmas and winter songs arranged for voice with Celtic harp, twelve-string guitar, Irish flute, and other instruments

CM010 © 1994 Castlebay Music


Irish tunes for flute and harp

This recording has spritely dance tunes and haunting airs played by Sharon Pyne, flute, and Julia Lane, harp. There's also a bit of fiddle by Hank Washburn and bodhran by Keith Garavoy.

  The Tapestry Series is a six CD set of Scottish, Irish, and original instrumental music.
Tapestry I - Ladies was released in 1999 and the final installment, Banks & Braes, was be released in the spring of 2007.

The music features Celtic harp solos, small ensemble pieces with harp and violin, flute, or guitar, and some large ensemble pieces. Ethereal voices are sometimes heard, creating a mysterious ambience. No synthesizers are used. Click on any cover image to get a detailed description and sound samples for that recording.

Each CD has a theme reflected in the cover art. The six covers fit together to form a larger picture reminiscent of a medieval tapestry.

We have added additional instrumental recordings in recent years. Imram is a compilation of the quieter tracks from the series, made at the suggestion of a massage therapist. Harvest Home and Going Home are recordings of secular Thanksgiving music — perfect for turkey and pie. Sundrie Aires is a colllection of popular music from the early 17th century.

Musicians have always been inspired by the women in their lives - mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, lovers. Here are instrumental tunes as vivacious, delicate, mysterious and beautiful as the women to whom they are dedicated.

A stroll through a verdant garden can refresh the spirit and relax the mind, connecting one with the cycles of Nature. Gardens embody vitality and solace ; they are places of both activity and repose. The music inspired by them reflects these various moods and seasons.

No aristocratic Celtic household was complete without resident musicians who created music honoring their patrons' holdings. Recalling the charm of the cottage and the elegance of the castle, these tunes affirm the connection of home and heart.

In times past Gentlemen were men of honor, integrity, and chivalry. Tapestry IV - Gentlemen evokes a scene of romantic heroes enjoying a convivial moment in a pastoral setting with Celtic melodies arranged for harp, violin, Irish flute

Banks, braes, craigs, bens, dales and vales are only a few of the myriad names for the varied contours of the Celtic landscape .

The ocean's many moods are best experienced while sailing. One seems more aware of mysterious islands emerging from fog, the vessel's foaming wake sparkling in sunlight, and the roll and surge of swells upon the open sea .

This recording features tracks taken from the Tapestry series of recordings released by Castlebay from 1999 through 2004. These selections were chosen to provide a serene environment for therapeutic massage, meditation, or simply relaxing. s