Mossy Brae
Scottish Songs from Beethoven and Burns
Farwell to Cucullain, arranged by Fritz and Hugo Kreisler for piano trio.
Friedrich "Fritz" Kreisler (1875 – 1962) was an Austrian-born American violinist and composer. One of the most noted violin masters of his day, and regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time, he was known for his sweet tone and expressive phrasing. The title of the air came from the name of County Londonderry, and was collected by Jane Ross of Limavadyin and first printed in George Petrie's collection (Dublin 1855).
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling,
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,—
Oh, Danny boy, Oh Danny boy, I love you so!
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an Avé there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!
Piano Trio No. 5, The “Ghost,” Opus 70 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Opus 70 is a set of two Piano Trios by Ludwig van Beethoven, written for piano, violin, and cello. Both trios were composed during Beethoven's stay at Countess Marie von Erdödy's estate, and both are dedicated to her for her hospitality. They were published in 1809. The first, in D major, known as the Ghost, is one of his best-known works in the genre (rivaled only by the Archduke Trio). The D major trio features themes found in the second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 2. The ghostly music may have had its roots in sketches for a Macbeth opera that Beethoven was contemplating at the same time. According to Lewis Lockwood, Beethoven's pupil Carl Czerny wrote in 1842 that the slow movement reminded him (Czerny) of the ghost scene at the opening of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and this was the origin of the nickname.
25 Scottish Songs for Voice and Piano Trio, Opus 108 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Interwoven with the three movements of the “Ghost” Piano Trio are four Scottish songs arranged by Beethoven in 1818. The first song, “Dim, Dim is My Eye,” longs for sweet William who is lost to the war abroad. The second song, “The Sweetest Lad Was Jamie,” recounts the tale of a young woman flirting with young man at the fair to get the jealous attention of Jamie, who when the war pipes sounded, left to woo another fair maiden. “Again, My Lyre” is a love song to a departed love in heaven, while the final song, “O Thou Art the Lad of my Heart (Willie),” is a cheerful and giddy petition for the affections of the winsome lad Willie.
Fire and Grace, selected Scottish Folk Tunes by Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
Josefin’s Waltz (Roger Tallroth)
St Kilda Wedding/Brose & Butter
Hut on Staffin Island/Barrowburn Reel (Addie Harper)/High Reel
These are more modern tunes sprinkled in with more traditional tunes. Phil Cunningham (b. 1960 in Edinburgh, Scotland) composed “Hut on Staffin Island” about an ice fishing hut on east coast of the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Roger Tallroth (b. 1958 in Sweden) is the founding member of the world-renowned fold band Väsen. “The Barrowburn” reel was originally composed by Addie Harper Sr. of the Wick Scottish Country Dance Band.
Auld Lang Syne, arranged for piano trio by Ludwig van Beethoven
"Auld Lang Syne" is a Robert Burns poem set to a Scottish melody, written in 1788. Also known endearingly as Rabbie Burns, he is widely considered the national poet of Scotland and a pioneer of the Romantic movement. His birthday, January 25th was first celebrated by friends after his passing by singing songs, sharing a meal together, and singing Auld Lang Syne to celebrate his life and friendship. Evey year this is celebrated in Scottish circles as “The Burns Supper.”
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
