Tapestry IV - Gentlemen 2002

Julia Lane - Celtic Harp, Voice
Fred Gosbee - Violin, Viola, Woodwinds, tuba, Voice

March of the King of Laois (4:08)
Traditional Irish
Barbara Burt, french horn

Our procession of Gentlemen begins with the elegant March of the King of Laois (pronounced "leash") It may have been composed for Ruari Og O'Mordha, king of an ancient Irish province

Ruari Dall's Jig / Sherrfimuir (3:37)
Traditional Scottish
Doreen Conboy, cello

Ruari Dall's Jig was made by a blind Scottish harper for his patrons on the Isle of Skye. Sherrifmuir was the site of an inconclusive battle in the Jacobite wars (1715)

Carolan's Draught (2:50)

Traditional Irish
Doreen Conboy, cello

Carolan's Draught, by Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan (1685-1735) celebrates his favorite libation.

Daft Robin (2:29)
Traditional Scottish

Daft Robin could be named for a mythical sprite, or perhaps just a dreamy young man.

King of the Faeries (6:35)
Traditional Irish
Brett Burnham, bones

According to Celtic myth, the King of the Faeries is a trickster and shapeshifter—listen for the magic. This tune is also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or William of Orange - it was evidently popular across the political divide.

Lament for the Reverend Archie Beaton (3:36)
© 1981 George Mason

Lament for the Rev. Archie Beaton salutes a 20th century Ayrshire minister and champion of Gaelic culture

Dainty Davie (4:04)
Traditional Scottish
Ian MacHarg, Scottish smallpipes

Dainty Davie, a Scottish dandy, has at least two sets of lyrics, one by Robert Burns, with contrasting sensibilities.

Maurice O'Connor 2:56
Traditional Irish

Maurice O'Connor, another piece composed by O'Carolan, was made and named for one of his many patrons

When the King Came Over the Boyne / Lord Lovat's / The Iron Man / Angus Campbell (7:39)
Traditional

Traditional tunes are often played in sets as here. The last two were made by 19th century Scottish fiddler Scott Skinner.

Alden Robinson, fiddle (Iron Man/ Angus Campbell)

Sweet Jim (4:28)
© 2001 Fred Gosbee & Julia Lane

Sweet Jim is a tribute to our romantic friend and his lady love.

Two Laments for Owen Roe (5:26)
Traditional Irish

. Two Laments for Owen Roe commemorate a pair of Irish heroes, one of the pen and one of the sword. Owen Roe O'Sullivan, was a "sweet-mouthed" 18th century Munster poet and Gen. Owen Roe O'Neill won a strategic victory against Cromwell in 1646.

The Minstrel Boy (4:07)
Traditional Irish
Barbara Burt, french horn
Laura Lee Perkins, alto flute
Doreen Conboy, cello

The Minstrel Boy has lyrics by Thomas Moore and is a moving salute to courage and conviction in the face of adversity.