Ireland: Of Legend & Lore
The 2003 fall season brings the Marching Cardinals the opportunity to perform a Robert W. Smith piece - Ireland: Of Legend & Lore. The piece was written to represent traditional Irish melodies and was originally commissioned by the East Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble to be performed on their tour of Ireland in 1996.
There are three main sections in the piece of music. After a bold introduction which sets the mood of armies starting on their journey to battle, the familiar 6/8 march style is from a song Brian Boru's March. Brian Boru, a military leader around the year 1000, was well known for his strategy and chivalry in battle.
The second section depicts a legend of romance and conquest by Grace O'Malley. She wished to take over a certain castle, so she proceeded to lure the owner, Richard Burke, into marriage then quickly discarded him and threw him out.
The drum solo and the rest of the piece tell of multiple attacks on Cahir Castle. Still standing today, the castle was attacked and won over many times over the last 100 centuries by warring lords. Many tales exist today of the battles fought over the beautiful fortification which resides on a rocky islet in the midst of the Suir.
Drum Majors Jennifer Jaeb and Megan Leone are proud to lead the ensemble on a musical journey back to old Ireland. We hope you enjoy the trip and are swept away by the stories and sounds of lore.
Archived Photos
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