Ivernia is one of the oldest recorded names for Ireland and this book contains many old melodies and contemporary pipe music from that island.
The compiler, Tim Farrelly, is the current P/M of Grade 2 St Joseph’s PB, Clondalkin. His upbringing in piping has been strongly influenced by the Irish traditional music scene and in this book he pays tribute to a variety of individuals who have shaped his music, including the famous Tully clan, both Terry and his late father Tommy.
By Barry Donaldson
As well as playing the Highland pipe, Tim is an expert on the uillean pipes and holds a master’s degree in Irish traditional music. In his introductory comments he states, ‘I often found myself asking why the constant need to churn out new tunes when there’s such a wealth of old music that has never been heard.’
I must agree, and as I worked my way through this book I was surprised at the many tunes I have not previously encountered. This is a a treasure trove of old and contemporary Irish traditional music and full credit to Tim for his research and for pulling together what is a publication of the highest quality.
It has 136 tunes in total, covering march / hornpipes, jigs, reels, waltzes and airs, over 40 of which are ‘session friendly’. Some tunes include scores more suitable for those who play alternative instruments.
The book is slightly larger than standard size making it easier to read. The musical arrangements are not overburdened with embellishments, ‘dot-cut’ is used sparingly, encouraging freedom of interpretation. He includes explanatory notes for some tunes along with photographs of people and places which have influenced him.
Tim is a creative composer and includes 36 of his own compositions, many of which are played by some of the world’s leading pipe bands, St. Laurence O’Toole to name but one.
His slow air, Big Jim, is a particularly poignant piece, composed as a tribute to his late father. The melodic structure in 6/4 time creates a sense of great sadness.
There are some well known Irish standards such as, March of the King of Laois, Fraher’s Jig and Brian Boru’s March, and two very interesting arrangements of the Gold Ring jig which Tim explains are settings by uillean pipers Willie Clancy and Seamus Ennis.
There is a fine example of Terry Tully’s work, Pauric Carr of Dugort, a rocking hornpipe with an authentic, traditional feel, plus some cracking 9/8 jigs mostly two parted, one of which, the Dusty Miller, described as a ‘hop’ jig, is also scored as a waltz in 3/4 time, harmony included.
‘Ivernia’ is a must for pipe majors, especially if you are looking for tunes to build a medley. Expanding your repertoire? then this is for you too – whether you are a piper or traditional musician. A gold standard collection of bagpipe music in the Irish idiom. Well done Tim.
- The book is available from https://piobtunes.com/ivernia/ priced £17, €20, $28US, plus post and packing.
Donald MacLeod Tunes – ‘Play Along’ Lessons
Here is a selection of ‘play along’ lessons for tunes from one of the greatest pipe music composers of all time, P/M Donald MacLeod. They are played on the practice chanter by renowned tutor Robert Wallace. They include four piobaireachd, Field of Gold, Queen Elizabeth II’s Salute, MacMhurich’s Salute, Sound of the Sea and Cabar Feidh Gu Bragh. Ceol beag is played firstly at practice tempo and …
