A Mel Bay Publications, Inc. Webzine
February 2008 · Bimonthly
     If you liked this article, you might be interested in: |
In this issue: Dulcimer Chords | Calum Sgaire | Two Classic Irish Melodies for Hammered Dulcimer | Holy Manna
Print this Article (PDF) Email Article to a Friend 
Calum SgaireA Scottish Air for Mountain Dulcimer in the Ionian Modeby Dan Evans About “Calum Sgaire”I learned this hauntingly beautiful air from the playing of one of my favourite traditional groups: The Bothy Band. Although the Bothy Band came from Ireland and played mostly Irish music, this particular tune appears to emanate from the Hebrides in Scotland. The song tells the story of a fisherman on the Hebridean Isle of Lewis whose true love, Mairead, is married to a local farmer because her parents disapproved of Calum. When Mairead died giving birth to her first child (by the farmer), Calum was so distraught he left the place forever. The Bothy Band’s recording of this is a-cappella, full of rich vocal harmonies – so my challenge was to make the tune work on just three strings... About This ArrangementThe melody is played on the first string with drones and harmony notes on the middle and bass. In the A part only drones are used with harmony notes, and triad chords are introduced in the B part. The striking 5-4-5 chord at the beginning of measure 14 contrasts sharply with the pretty harmonies in the preceding measures, adding depth to the piece. The final 1-0-3 chord is so full of ambiguity, it cries out, in the hope of resolution, for the piece to be played again and again. Playing the PieceIn the sprit of an air, I play “Calum Sgaire” quite freely and flowingly, rather than following too strict a rhythm. Obviously, you are welcome to finger the piece however it feels comfortable for you. Here is how I finger it: on my right hand, I use my thumb to pluck the 1st string, my index finger on the middle string and my middle finger on the 3rd/bass string. When all three strings are played together, I “spread” these triad chords slightly, which de-emphasizes the rhythm and adds to the flow of the piece. Spreading the chords means plucking the strings in a fast sequence, rather than all at exactly the same time. I do this with my fingers, but it can also be done with a pick. 
About the Author Dan Evans My wife, Mary and I live in England in a small market-town called Olney, which is currently celebrating the bi-centenary of the death of Cowper and Newton (authors of ‘Amazing Grace’). I started playing mountain dulcimer over 30 years ago and was originally inspired by the great English dulcimer player, Roger Nicholson. Like Roger, I play dichromatic dulcimers (without any ‘extra’ frets) and almost exclusively finger-style. Over the years I have developed two main styles of playing the dulcimer: ‘song accompaniments’ and “airs,” both of which I play in the Ionian mode (DAA tuning). “Calum Sgair” is a good example of my “airs” style of playing. I particularly like the “open” chords created when a harmony note and a drone are combined. I feel they bring out the delicacy of the dulcimer really well. I have been privileged to visit the USA on a number of occasions, to teach and perform at dulcimer festivals. I am proud to have met many of the leading exponents on the mountain dulcimer, including the late David Schnaufer, who was an inspiration and whom I will fondly remember. Recordings I have released three CDs of my dulcimer and guitar music on my own record label, DanSing Music: Guardian Spirit (DSM3) ~ released in 1993 Spirit Dancing (DSM4) ~ released in 1997 Autumn Dance (DSM5) ~ released in 2002 You can learn more about my music and my recordings on my website: www.danevans-music.com [ top ]
| |
Stumble It!
Delicious