Rising of the Sun, The

Duration | 3.30

NOTE: This is not an arrangement of a traditional Irish song. It is a traditional Irish text set to music by Michael McGlynn. All programme notes or attributions must reflect this fact as they would any other composer’s work.

This text comes from a well-known Irish folksong, and tells the nonsensical story of a cockerel and hen who become outlaws, and eventually are eaten. The story is probably an allegory and this version comes from the Petrie collection (1843). Involving a varied rhythmic structure, this piece is a real crowd-pleaser, but needs close adherence to the text-rhythms.

The lead instruments are listed as Violin and Soprano Sax, but the ideal would be to use an Uileann Pipe if available. Note that in the score there is the possibility of using more than one violin, but the effect is to get a “session” feel to the instrumental section. Flexibility is welcomed.

• Mixed Chorus, Perc, Vln(s), Pipes [or similar pitched instrument]