Five Celtic Folk Songs for flute and piano

The original Celts (pronounced “Kelts”) came from Central Europe, where they thrived around two thousand years ago. As the Roman Empire expanded, many Celtic peoples moved westward to Britain and Ireland and today many Celtic traditions remain in those countries. These countries have a rich heritage of folk music and these five popular folk songs are among the best-known. The songs, arranged for flute(s) and piano may be played as separate items of performed in any order. All the arrangements avoid flute technical issues and are approximately the standard of UK’s ABRSM Grade 3. 1. Wales: Si Hei Lwli, ’Mabi (Sleep, my Lovely Baby) In the Aeolian mode, this is one the most popular Welsh lullabies. The first part of the piece is in the low and middle register. The highest note in the flute part is D (D6) just above the staff. 2. Wales: Llwyn Onn (The Ash Grove) This melancholy song is one of the most well-known melodies in Wales and was originally a harp tune. The music is mostly in the flute’s middle register and the highest note is C above the staff (C6). 3. Scotland: Eriskay Love Lilt This is one of the most well-known of all Scottish folk songs and comes from Eriskay, a small Scottish island in the Outer Hebrides. The piece is written in the flute’s middle and high register. The highest note is G above the staff (G6). 4. Scotland: The Skye Boat Song This favorite British folksong refers to real historical events. Most of the piece is in the middle to high register. The highest note is D6 above the staff. 5. Ireland: The Minstrel Boy This melancholy and much-loved song tells of a young soldier-musician who has gone to fight in a war, his small harp slung on his back. Much of the piece is in the middle register and the highest note is C6 above the staff.