Twa Corbies
One of my hobbies is reenacting, and after a long day of sitting and spinning wool or “mollying” for the troops I pick up my violin and play a few songs. As a request from friends I recorded the tunes to a few songs that were popular during the French and Indian War and put them together in an album. These songs are a variety of English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh and French and give insight to the values and beliefs of the people who lived back then. To keep the feeling of authenticity I kept in the mistakes and instead focused on the cultural feeling, like a poor French girl who is traveling with her Native beau as he fights for the British Indian Department and not the genius virtuosity of Midori.
Rogue’s March
This song is traditionally used in the criminal’s approach to the gallows. I have also been requested to play it for Reenacting Troublemakers as they enter camp.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/rogues-march
Bonnie Dundee
This song stems from the Scottish Jacobite Wars. The Jacobites were supporters of the Stuart family line in the struggle for the British throne, but instead King George I and the House of Hanover take control.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/bonnie-dundee
Soul Cake
During All Saints’ Day and Hallows Eve (Halloween) british children go out and collect “soul cakes,” they sing this song to encourage donations.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/soul-cake
Twa Corbies
The title track is a Welsh song about 2 crows, there are other popular variations of this song.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/twa-corbies
Maid Freed From The Gallows
This British song is a conversation between a “criminal” and the executioner or “hang man.” Led Zeppelin has a cover of this song and I was inspired to try my hand at it.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/maid-freed-from-the-gallows
Green Grow The Rushes O!
There are many versions of this song, one being “Go Where I Send Thee,” the lyrics allude to various Bible passages as well as the apostles, Paul and Peter.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/green-grow-the-rushes-o
Adieu la ville de Orleans
This is an old French song, that made its way to New France (now Quebec, Ontario and Detroit regions) about a soldier leaving for war who tells his love to plant a rosebush in memory of him.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/adieu-la-ville-de-orleans
Rising of the Moon
This song is about the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and refers to the Bold United Men who fought against the English.http://soundcloud.com/nlkirch/rising-of-the-moon
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
Another Jacobite song, but this one is about the capture of Bonnie Charlie (Prince Charles) who is heir to the Stuart line. His capture and execution marks the “defeat” (to some the war is still not over) of the Jacobites.
Lyre Bird 