Sea and Sky, Celtic music for healing and relaxation arranged by Sunita Staneslow.
From the arranger: When I recorded my CD, Sea and Sky, I never imagined that I would be writing a companion book of my arrangements. I improvised an arrangement around each melody to create more of a relaxing flow. In writing down the music I played, I tried to be as true as possible to the recording, making only minor adjustments. If your fingers do not fit the arrangements, feel free to adapt them to fit your hands so the music will sound like your creation. I hope you enjoy playing these beautiful, timeless melodies.
Wild Mountain Thyme
This song is also known as “Will You Go, Lassie, Go” and is based on an old Scottish tune called “The Three Carles o’Buchanan.”
She Moved Through the Fair
This traditional Irish song was first collected in Donegal by poet Padraic Colum and musicologist Herbert Hughes and published in 1909.
Cape Clear
Cape Clear Island lies off the coast of West Cork on the southern tip of Ireland. The haunting melody of this traditional Irish slow air captures the spirit of this beautiful corner of the world.
Down by the Salley Gardens
This is a traditional Irish ballad set to the words of William Butler Yeats. “Down by the salley (willow) gardens, my love and I did meet……”
Skye Boat Song
This Scottish folk song is about the escape by sea of Bonnie Prince Charlie to the Isle of Skye after his defeat at Culloden in 1746.
My Love is Like a Red, Red, Rose
The lyrics to this cherished song are from a poem written in 1794 by Robert Burns. The melody is based on a traditional air.
Highland Boat Song
I learned this traditional Scottish melody from a book by Sue Richards.
Jock O’Hazeldean
This romantic Scottish ballad was adapted by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).
Bridget Cruise, Third and Fourth Airs
These airs by Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) are really love songs to Bridget Cruise.
The Water is Wide
Also called “O Waly, Waly,” this melody is either a Scottish or English folk song that has been sung since the 1600’s.
