Limerick's Lament for Bagpipes and Concert Band

This beautiful slow air derives its title from the siege and fall of the city of Limerick to English forces in 1691, at the end of the Williamite Wars.

 

The tune, like so many ancient airs was claimed by both Scots and Irish, the Scots version being entitled Farewell to Lochaber. When Robert Burns first heard the air he is said to have exclaimed, " Oh, that's a fine tune for a broken heart.” It is one of the finest slow traditional airs and is arranged for bagpipes and band by Brendan Power.