Aisling Gaelach

William Harbinson

The title translates as "Irish Fantasy."

General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 5:00
Difficulty: III 1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts - $85.00 | Score Only - $12.00

Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

Bass Drum
Snare Drum
Crash Cymbals
Bells
Chimes
Suspended Cymbal
Tambourine
Xylophone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Aisling Gaelach is based on two traditional Irish tunes: The Merry Priest and Mo Ghile Mear. The first is a traditional barndance in common time that includes a "hornpipe skip" (or triplet figure) throughout. The second is a lyrical ballad in honor of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the descendant of Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots who had ambitions to the throne of Britain. His loyal followers fought for him to take possession of the crown and to put an end to religious persecution in Ireland. The rebellion was put down, hundreds of thousands died in battle, and the prince fled and died in exile.

The composition opens with a fanfare based on the head motive Mo Ghile Mear. The ensuing section (Moderato) introduces The Merry Priest. The barndance, in ABA form, is presented sometimes in its traditional harmonic and melodic format, and sometimes with chromatic accompaniment figures and melodic interplay between the instruments. A brief transition based on the chromatic accompaniment motive leads to Mo Ghile Mear (Maestoso). Also in ABA form, the ballad is scored for brass choir (A), woodwind choir (B), and full ensemble (reap of A). A development section leads to a tutti passage that combines the ballad (augmented statement by the brass and low reeds) and the barndance (woodwind obbligato based on the head motive). A brief code brings the composition to a close.

-Program Note from score

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown

State Ratings

Texas: III. Complete

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, W. Va.) Wind Symphony (Scott Hippensteel, conductor) - 17 November 2022
Tigard (Ore.) High School Wind Ensemble (James Irving, conductor) - 18 April 2015
Westbrook Intermediate School (Friendswood, Tex.) Advanced Band - 10 February 2010

Works for Winds by This Composer

Aberystwyth Variants (2015)
Aisling Gaelach (2010)
All the Starry Band (2004/2005)
Appalachian Folk Song Suite (as arranger) (2001)
At Twilight (2014)
Better Angels (2019)
Blue Devil Dancing (2020)
Blue Ridge Portrait
Converse Fantasy (2011)
Concerto for Trumpet and Winds (2010)
Dan River Festival (1996)
Diamond Fantasy (2001)
Engelberg Variations (1999)
Evensong (2008)
The Hornet's Nest (2019)
In the Bleak Midwinter (2002)
Introduction, Allegro, and Dance
Legend of the Saura (2000)
Lincoln Legend (2003)
The Maestro's Flourish (2005)
Mandjiani (2004)
Mysteria (2000)
Of Fire and Ice (2012/2015)
River Songs of the South (as arranger) (2007)
Rugby Heritage (2021)
Sandhills Saga (2020)
Southwest Overture (1993)
Sparkle (2011)
Three Studies in English Folk Song (as arranger) (1927/1999/2003)
Trek to the Summit (2019)
Upon the Wings of the Wind (2002)
Variations on an American Hymn Tune (1998)
Victory (2019)

Resources