College Choral Series is an imaginative and stimulating collection of arrangements and original compositions based on Irish texts. The brainchild of Dr. Desmond Earley director of Ireland’s leading collegiate choral group The Scholars of University College Dublin, the works in this series have also been recorded by specialist UK label, Signum Records. These highly acclaimed recordings are noted for their sonic beauty and sophistication. Seolta Music is delighted to have been chosen as the publication partner for this selection of Irish choral sheet music.
Irish choral sheet music
Alongside music in the English language, College Choral Series also embraces the Irish language (Gaelic) with arrangements by Dr. Earley of Irish traditional tunes. These pieces have become popular all over the globe and are worthy additions to the growing body of Irish choral music. Please note that pronunciation videos are freely available on each product page to assist in learning and to allay any fears around their performance by non Irish-speaking choirs!
Mo Ghile Mear is a very well-known traditional allegorical song in which the poet laments the departure of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). As is customary, the poetic text portrays the land in decline in his absence.
Bó na Leathadhairce (The one-horned cow) is a playful song learnt by many Irish schoolchildren in school. The title is a metaphor for the poitín still (think Irish brewed moonshine!). The lyrics become more and more peculiar as the song progresses perhaps reflecting the increasing intoxication of the singer.
Sadhbh Ní Bhruinneallaigh Originally attributed to a boatman who ranged the coasts of Mayo and Galway, this is a sean-nós song from the early 19th Century. The singer is on the lookout for the beautiful young girl, Sadhbh, with whom he wishes to elope. This arrangement adds harmony in the lower voices to represent the many men who were purported to have had a longing to meet this famed beauty!
Dúlaman is a traditional working song from the north of Ireland, made famous in the 1970s by the legendary Irish group Clannad. The word ‘dúlamán’ means ‘seaweed’, and the song references two types, one for dyeing and one that is edible. These two types of seaweed also represent two different characters in the song.