Until the 18th century, music from oral tradition was not written down, leading to the loss of many compositions.
Cultural Impact
The popularity of 'Aileen Aroon', another song on this album, was greatly boosted by the actress and singer Kitty Clive, leading many musicians to add it to their repertoire.
Historical Context
The slow air 'An Buachaillín Bán' is a revolutionary song, using 'The Fair-Haired Boy' as a codename for Bonnie Prince Charlie, a symbol of hope for overthrowing the Hanoverian regime after his 1746 defeat.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's program, 'The Dubhlinn Gardens', was created by Anna Besson, the flutist on this recording, guided by her passions for traditional music and historical performance.
Critical Reception
Handel reportedly declared, after hearing 'Aileen Aroon', that he would rather have composed that tune than anything he had written up to that time.
Composition History
The first collection consisting essentially of Irish tunes, 'A Collection of the Most Celebrated Irish Airs', was published in Dublin by the O'Neill brothers in 1724.
Cultural Impact
The song 'The Original Black Joke', featured on this album, was the most popular song in Ireland and Great Britain during the first half of the 18th century, appearing in various forms.
You might also enjoy...
Balli e Balletti da Ballare: Italian Renaissance Dances
Marie, source vive
Orientis Partibus: Songs of the Age Fo St. Francis of Assisi
Legenda Aurea, Laudes des saints au Trecento italien
Soundscape - Leonardo da Vinci
Bach/Höcherl/Sakas: Die Bach-Motetten Vol. III
Hymns from Lebanon
Estampies & Danses Royales
Doulce Memoire: Renaissance Winds (Regal and Popular 16th Century Music for Wind Band)
Münchner MotettenChor: Barock in blue (Motets inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach)
Music from the Court of King Janus at Nicosia (1374-1432)
