Manx Folk Songs for Harp for One Hand Alone

Contents

Farewell and Adieu to You Spanish Ladies
Farewell, Little Katie, My Love
The Dangers of the Sea
Praise God, My Friends
Carval Yoseph

Listen

Note from the arranger

“Farewell and Adieu to You Spanish Ladies” in G minor (2 flats) uses occasional rolled chords, and pres de la table (p.d.l.t.) or playing near the soundboard. Lyrics in English for one verse are provided. This well-known traditional folk song is a capstan sea shanty which was sung as the capstan was turned to raise the anchor. The song was sung as ships were homeward bound. The song is popular throughout the British Isles.

“Farewell, Little Katie, My Love” in D major (2 sharps) explores the unique colors and sounds of the harp using pres de la table (p.d.l.t.) or playing near the soundboard, rolled chords, and glissandi. One glissando is played by the backs of the fingernails of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers (indicated by the downward facing crescent shape). The result is a fluttering effect. Lyrics in English are provided for one verse telling of parting and emigration.

“The Dangers of the Sea” in D minor (1 flat) uses occasional rolled chords and is late beginner level. The full translation of the title of this Manx dance tune is On Account of the Dangers of the Sea. It appears in the collection, Manx Ballads and Music, published in 1896 by Arthur William Moore.

“Praise God, My Friends” in G minor (2 flats) uses occasional rolled chords and pres de la table (p.d.l.t.) or playing near the soundboard. The tune is a traditional Manx carval or Christmas carol. It appears in Manx Ballads and Music (1896) a collection by A. W. Moore (Arthur William Moore). The tune is very reminiscent of the Irish song “Star of the County Down.”

“Carval Yoseph” in D major (2 sharps) uses occasional rolled chords and grace note ornamentation. Dr. John Clague collected “Carval Yoseph” from John Moore in Ardarry in 1893. In the index of Moore’s Manx Ballads and Music, it identifies the folk tune as “Babes in the Woods.”