Southern Music

It has been called the Irish National Anthem, and has been adopted as a favorite tune by millions beyond the shores of that country. It also has served as the theme song for entertainers, and appeared in soundtracks on television and in motion pictures. This beautifully sensitive scoring brings the song into the concert band arena, playable by bands and ensembles of almost any level of skill. Gracious and elegant. (2: 53)

Bestselling Irish-American author Malachy McCourt takes a fascinating historical look at the traditional folk song, Danny Boy, discovering its origin, lyricist, and the moving heritage that has grown around it. Everyone can hum this haunting Irish ballad that inevitably brings a tear to the eye. The most requested Irish song, it has been recorded by a variety of performers ranging from Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, and Kate Smith to the Pogues. The complete story of this moving tune has been shrouded in mystery until now. Where did "Danny Boy" originate, who actually wrote the lyrics, and is it even Irish? Acclaimed novelist, actor, memoirist, screenwriter, playwright, and raconteur, Malachy McCourt, turns his Irish eye to the song's complex history and myths in an eloquent ode to this classic. He traces the evolution of the music, which is one of more than 100 songs composed to the very same tune, including the familiar "Londonderry Air," and explores the enduring mystique of "Danny Boy" in an unforgettable tribute that brilliantly weaves history with folklore.

This invaluable collection of Irish song is enriched by a 100-page preface and followed by 151 Irish airs arranged for piano, with songs' Irish names, authors, and dates of composition.

Contains all of Petrie's original text, including song texts in Irish and English; the melodies; and his introduction. The text is prefaced with a biographical essay, which positions the collection in the context of Petrie's life and work, and within the broader field of Irish traditional music. The piano accompaniments written by Petrie's daughter, which were included in the original collection have been removed; instead melodies have been restored back to the form in which Petrie originally notated them.