Or Cheap Breatuinn, Cape Breton's Gaelic Gold: A Selection of Traditional Songs

1. Oran An T-Saighdeir,the Soldier's Song

2. Cumha Aonghais,the Lament for Angus

3. Tuireadh Na Hiortach,the Lament for the St.Kildans

4. An Crann Ban,the White Mast

5. Oran a'Mhearlaich,the Thief's Song

6. 'Ill'Eileadh Ho Gu,a Love Song

7. Creach Na Samhna,the Halloween Raid

8. Nighean Donn a' Chota Dhuibh,the Girl With the Black Coat

9. Gaol An T-Seoladair, the Sailor's Love

10. Oran Choinnich Dhuinn, Brown-haired Kenneth's Song

11. Cruinneag Na Buaile, the Maiden of the Pastures

12. Marbhrann Do Mhac Leoid, the Lament for MacLeod

13. Mise Tha Fo Mhulad, O I Am Sad

14. Tha Mo Bhreacansa Fo'n Dile, My Plaid is Soaked

15. An Gille Donn, the Brown-haired Lad

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Michael Newton, Cothrom, Gaelic learners magazine, Scotland, winter, 1998
"Although pop music groups have been using old Gaelic music and songs,there are people who would like to hear the authentic Gaelic song tradition as it was(and hopefully will be)without the influence of the mainstream commercial market The traditonal culture of the Gaels in the east of Canada is particularly important for this purpose,as many strands of the tradition have survived in exile that are no longer to be found in the old country. Cape Breton's Gold reveals the essence and import of this culture as it has survived to the present day and the diversity on this record demonstrates the richness of this heritage.

There are no modern musical instruments to be heard on this album-the singers have every opportunity to express the message of the song.Listeners must pay full attention to the songs-this is no musak or objet d'art and therefore this may not have the appeal of popular music. However,for those who esteem and are interested in the authentic tradition,this valuable recording offers education and entertainment.

Product Description
This recording consists of songs sung in Scottish Gaelic by residents of Cape Breton,the Northern area of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Each song was recorded in the field,that is in the singers' homes over a period of years(the oldest being recorded in 1956 by the noted folklorist,Dr.Helen Creighton) and the most recent by Rosemary McCormack in 1995.

These tapes were then digitally remastered in 1997 for this recording.

The songs on Gaelic Gold were chosen to demonstrate the wide variety of material that has existed in our local traditional culture. Included are songs of love that were brought over from Scotland and have been sung by Cape Breton's Gaels for generations.There's a song about a duel fought in the 1600's which is probably not sung anywhere else in the Gaelic world today. There are hilarious local songs,for example,one about the hazards of choosing a wife when you're not quite sober.Most of these songs are no longer being sung in Gaelic circles in Cape Breton so this recording provides a valuable role in preserving these rare performances.

Or Cheap Breatuinn,Cape Breton's Gaelic Gold,truly reflects our heritage of Gaelic song,so rich in humor,history,emotion and beautiful images. We owe a great debt to the singers who,in the course of their everyday lives,have preserved them for this generation.

This recording also contains the lyrics for the 15 songs as well as some biographical information about the Gaelic singers.

Or Cheap Breatuinn, Cape Breton's Gaelic Gold: A Selection of Traditional Songs

Tracks:

Oran An T-Saighdeir,the Soldier's Song
Cumha Aonghais,the Lament for Angus
Tuireadh Na Hiortach,the Lament for the St.Kildans
An Crann Ban,the White Mast
Oran a'Mhearlaich,the Thief's Song
'Ill'Eileadh Ho Gu,a Love Song
Creach Na Samhna,the Halloween Raid
Nighean Donn a' Chota Dhuibh,the Girl With the Black Coat
Gaol An T-Seoladair, the Sailor's Love
Oran Choinnich Dhuinn, Brown-haired Kenneth's Song
Cruinneag Na Buaile, the Maiden of the Pastures
Marbhrann Do Mhac Leoid, the Lament for MacLeod
Mise Tha Fo Mhulad, O I Am Sad
Tha Mo Bhreacansa Fo'n Dile, My Plaid is Soaked
An Gille Donn, the Brown-haired Lad

Album Description

This recording consists of songs sung in Scottish Gaelic by residents of Cape Breton,the Northern area of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Each song was recorded in the field,that is in the singers' homes over a period of years(the oldest being recorded in 1956 by the noted folklorist,Dr.Helen Creighton) and the most recent by Rosemary McCormack in 1995.

These tapes were then digitally remastered in 1997 for this recording.

This recording also contains the lyrics for the 15 songs as well as some biographical information about the Gaelic singers.

World Music: