Learning Gaelic song

See also [8.2], [8.3], [8.4], [8.5]

The Gaelic Learners' Association CLI (Comann an Luchd-ionnsachaidh) has published "Karaoke Ceilidh" which is likely to be of use to people interested in singing Gaelic songs. The package, produced in conjunction with Clydebank College, consists of a book and tape (ISBN 1 898043 05 1). The tape has six favourite Gaelic songs with spoken, sung and instrumental versions of each song together with eight popular puirt a beul. The accompanying book includes all the lyrics in Gaelic and English together with grammatical notes. The clear pronounciation of the spoken versions of the songs, is likely to be of use to anyone seeking accurate pronounciation. The songs include Fear a' bhàta, O mo dhùthaich, An ataireachd àrd, Maighdeanan na h-àiridh (also recorded by Capercaillie), Eilean a' Cheò (also recorded by Cathy Anne MacPhee) and Chì mi na mòr-bheanna (also recorded by Keltoi). The tape is laid out in such a way that you can listen to the sung version, then turn the tape over at that point to listen to the instrumental and spoken versions. This allows side one of the tape to be listened to as a normal music cassette if you choose. There are both male and female singers on the tape. The package has been very successful since its launch in 1994. Cost is 10 pounds plus 1 pound postage for the UK, 2 for EU, 3 for elsewhere. More info from CLI at mailto: cli@cli.org.uk See also http://www.cli.org.uk/

Temple records are an excellent source of material for Gaelic singers. Artists such as Art Cormack, Christine Primrose, MacTalla, Flora MacNeill and Eilidh MacKenzie all record for Temple and full lyrics in Gaelic and English are available for all Temple recordings by writing to the record company. http://www.templerecords.co.uk/

For more detailed information on traditional Gaelic singing, http://www.siliconglen.com/culture/gaelicsong.html

A large number of Gaelic songs are online at
http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/

Courses

There are courses in Gaelic song available at Sabhal Mor Ostaig
http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/ during the summer and at Feis Rois in May (in Dingwall). E-mail Rita Hunter mailto: feis.rois@cali.co.uk

There is also classes in Gaelic song at the Ceolas summer school held in Uist each July and organised by Proiseact nan Ealan (the National Gaelic arts Project) Tel: 01851 704493/703440 Fax: 01851 704734. See also [7.10].

In Nova Scotia, contact Rosemary McCormack on
http://www.capebretonet.com/Music/BRHeritage/

There is also sometimes courses at the Edinburgh Folk Festival, held each Easter. mailto: dfrancis@netreal.co.uk
http://www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/

There may also be course connected with the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University. See [12.1] for address and further information.

There is also sometimes short courses in Gaelic song held as part of Celtic Connections in Glasgow each January.
http://www.celticconnections.com/

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