The Tracks
The samples below are short excerpts from the Ceide Fields album.
A mythical island off the Irish coast, featuring tuned percussion – with marimba, harp and celesta providing an exotic bed culminating in a warm and enticing vocal performance from Barbary Grant.
SEA QUEEN
An engaging and powerful performance from Francesca Genko who sings here in both Latin and in Irish. The song portrays the legendary pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, who was based in this part of Mayo during the late 16th century.
PULLATOMAS
In 1588, some of the Spanish Armada was wrecked along this part of Ireland. This piece (orchestra, guitar and piano) is about a Spanish mother grieving for her lost son. (Vocal by Francesa Genko)
This poem, written by the Nobel Prize recipient Seamus Heaney, is set to music here with a traditional Irish harp and piano. The poem is read by the renowned Irish actor Adrian Dunbar.
ACROSS TIME
The composer’s grandfather, Patrick Tomas (1870-1956), created and played his own flutes in the village of Belderg. This duet (played by traditional Irish flute and the composer on piano) is an homage to his grandfather.
HORNED WOMEN
This traditional Irish story, is brought to life with orchestra and sound effects. Witches invade the house of a mother and her children – but they are eventually repelled. (Mother’s vocal by Francesca Genko)
This “seascape” soundtrack features strings and the Armenian wind instrument – the duduk. Ships at anchor are stirred by incoming Atlantic breezes. Grace O’Malley kept her fleet and crew here.
KILLALA SKIRMISH
In 1798, the French Army invaded Ireland to assist the Irish rebels fight against the British. This piece contains 3 musical themes which represent the Irish, French and British during the battle in Killala, Mayo.
CEIDE FIELDS
Millions of years ago, clashing tectonic plates resulted in a violent upheaval of the earth and formed what is now the rugged and beautiful area of Ceide Fields. This piece features violin and orchestra.
