Music from the Emerald Isle
Roger Wilhelm, music director
Alisa Curlee, piano
Irish music has always held a special place in the hearts of Americans. The lyric
melodies of its folksongs, love-songs and ballads, and the sprightly rhythms of its
jigs and reels have become a part of the American culture.
In this live performance recording, Madrigalia presents a variety of Irish choral music
beginning with one of the earliest composers, John Farmer (c.1570-1601) of Dublin and
continuing with the part-songs of Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) also of Dublin.
Although religious music is not strongly part of Ireland’s musical heritage, two
beautiful examples of hymn tunes are represented here: the hymn-tune Slane,
(accompanied by hammered dulcimer) and the traditional Irish Blessing
(May the road rise to meet you…).
These songs are not narrative, but rather express hope or despair in a simple, natural
quality intended to amuse, to please and to soothe. RW