Book Review: John Billing’s “Music from Ireland” (volumes 1 & 2)
/The LANA store has recently added John Billing’s “Music from Ireland” (volumes 1 and 2) to our collection. Each of the two volumes contains eight Irish melodies set for lyres. The melodies are arranged as solos, duos and trios (or quartets), offering many possible ensemble combinations for these exceptionally beautiful tunes.
Music from Ireland, Vol 1 & 2, by john billing
With the intention of providing musical opportunities for “…all sizes of chromatic lyres and for all levels of music-reading lyre players,” these two books take lyrists on a joyful journey into Irish musical heritage. Many of the tunes Billing has arranged are familiar: “The Derry Air” (“Danny Boy”), “The Last Rose of Summer,” and “O’ Carolan’s Dream.” But there are also many here that will be a surprise (including “Her Mantle So Green” “Song of the Whales, ” and “Cape Clear”) that you will wish you had known all your life. With harmonically rich and spacious arrangements, you will want to add all of them to your repertoire immediately!
The arrangements in the two volumes are set with players in mind. They are visually easy on the eye (great for sight-reading!) and most of the pieces include chord symbols. Because each tune is arranged for several different ensemble types, the books offer flexibility in creating groupings. So, whether you find yourself alone or surrounded by fellow lyrists, these books will keep you absorbed for hours.
John Billing’s “Music from Ireland” can be found in the LANA store in book form or as PDF downloads. We recommend treating yourself to them this spring!