"The Banshee" or "The Cry of the Banshee&quot

Trad Irish Music
1

On his CD Shadows on Stone, Matt Molloy plays an unusual C-minor air called “The Banshee” which is based in part on the notation given by a Mrs. Hall of the sound of the keening of the Banshee.

Matt Molloy also adds a B part to this air.

My question is twofold: first, is this air considered traditional, or is this more of a show-piece or novelty air?

Second, what is the origin of the B part–did Matt Molloy compose it; if not, are its origins known?

A recording of the air (by me, unforunately, and not the quality of the Molloy recording) is at http://www.flutesite.com/samples/bansiair.mp3 .

Thanks for any info.

–James

2

James, since it was recorded in the 19th century, and there are no lyrics to it, it is only half-traditional. :wink:

The liner notes don’t say “where” the notation was taken from, so how do you know that the B part was added separately?

djm

3

I have the book by Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats which has the little score she (Mrs. Hall) notated.

There is no B part on her notation.

To me, the B part is the most haunting part of the air; the ending is unusual and seems to recall weeping for some reason.

–James

4

I have not been able to find any notation for this version, so it may be as you suggest, that Molloy made up the rest. He is a superb musician and deeply versed in ITM, so I’m sure it is well within his scope to do so.

djm

5

I agree with your opinion on Matt Molloy, he is an extremely good musician and is deeply rooted in traditional playing.

By the way, the book I have which contains the musicial notation written by Mrs. Hall is “A Treasury of Irish Myth, Legend, and Folklore”, edited by Yeats and Lady Gregory.

It’s a great book, but it can be very dry reading. Still, it’s a great source for the serious reader.

–James

6

Well, that leaves me out. :boggle:

djm