Carrickfergus revisited

I blogged about this amazing performance before. See below. Yet, coming across it again I felt compelled to write a little more.

This performance is pure magic! The song, Carrickfergus, is a sad, traditional Irish ballad.

The soprano soloist, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, is absolutely outstanding with a crystal clear tone and she can project powerfully. The other singers, from VOCES8, make the most amazing harmonies; it made me cry!! The interaction between the Sibéal and the other singers is quite spectacular. Their timing, articulation, and ornamentation are all stellar. Also I must mention that the space they are singing in has great acoustics.

I AM WEEPING LIKE A BABY! Surely the angels sing in Gaelic!

Traditional: Carrickfergus (Arr. Pacey)

Lyrics:

CHORUS: I wish I was in Carrickfergus

I wish I was in Carrickfergus

Is fada ón áit seo go Baile Uí Chuain
Sailing over the deep blue waters
I ndiaidh mo ghrá geal is í ag ealó uaim.
For the seas are deep, love, and I can’t swim over
And neither have I wings to fly,
I wish I met with a handy boatman,
Who’d ferry over my love and I.

[Chorus]

Tá an fuacht ag teacht is an teas ag tréigint
An tart ní féidir liom féin é do chlaoi,
Is go bhfuil an leabhar orm ó Shamhain go Fébur
Is ní bheidh sí reidh liom go Féil’ Mhichíl;
I’m seldom drunk though I’m never sober!
A handsome rover from town to town.
But now I am dead and my days are over
Come Molly, a stóirín, now lay me down!

[Chorus]