Traditional Scottish song arrangements

The Banks of Inverurie: a little known, but very lovely traditional song from the North-east of Scotland.   Duration 6'.   3 versions:

  1. unaccompanied SATB with two soloists (1 male, 1 female). There are occasional divisions in the A, T and B parts.
    This version has been recorded on CD by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (see below for more details).
  2. SATB (with male soloist) and piano
  3. SAB (with male soloist) and piano

2 and 3 are of an easier standard for singers than 1. Also, the piano introduces musical ideas not present in the unaccompanied song.

Skye Boat Song: a well known tune in a not-so-traditional arrangement.   Duration 5'.   4 versions:

  1. Unison voices with piano and flute
  2. SSA (or SAA) and piano
  3. SATB and piano
  4. SAB and piano

The Wee Cooper O' Fife: a lively and humorous song. The piano accompaniment is fairly demanding. As an alternative, I have rearranged the piano part for flute and piano.   Duration 2'.   4 versions:

  1. SA and piano (or flute and piano)
  2. SSA and piano (or flute and piano).
    This version has been recorded on CD by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (see below for more details).
  3. SATB and piano (or flute and piano)
  4. SAB and piano (or flute and piano)

The following parts are available separately:

  1. 'Full' piano accompaniment without voice parts on 3 pages (to reduce page turns)
  2. rearranged accompaniment for flute and piano (with only 'guide' voice parts)
  3. separate flute part for 'b'

The Piper O' Dundee: another well known traditional song. Begins slow/quiet, ends fast/loud.   Duration 3'.   4 versions:

  1. 2 part voices and piano (2nd part is not optional)
  2. SSA and piano
  3. SATB and piano
  4. SAB and piano

Loch Lomond: one of the most beautiful of traditional Scottish songs in a modern setting.   Duration 6'.   2 versions:

  1. SATB (with 2 female soloists) and piano. There are some divisions in the S and B parts.
    This version has been recorded on CD by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (see below for more details).
  2. SSAA (with 2 soloists) and piano

O gin I were where Gadie rins: lively and rhythmical, with a contrapuntal 'scat-like' reel as a middle section.   Duration 2' 30''.   3 versions:

  1. unaccompanied SATB
  2. unaccompanied SAB
  3. unaccompanied SSA

Will ye no' come back again?: another well known song.   Duration 5'.   2 versions:

  1. unaccompanied SATB
  2. unaccompanied SSAA

Air Falalalo:   Duration 3'

  1. SATB and piano

This piece can also be performed unaccompanied.

Westering Home:   Duration 2'

  1. SATB and piano

This piece can also be performed unaccompanied.

These last two songs are published by Roberton Publications. Reference copies are held in the SMIC library, but purchase is only available through retailers. They have also been recorded on CD by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (see below for more details).

CD available...

The National Youth Choir of Scotland, directed by Christopher Bell, has recorded the songs indicated on their CD:
'There's lilt in the song: Songs and ballads for highland or lowland or no!'

It is available from http://www.nycos.co.uk/cd.htm

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