Sí Bheag Sí Mhor - Lily Neill

“Sí Bheag Sí Mhor” is generally attributed to the Irish harper/composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) and is said to be his first composition, derived from a traditional melody, “An Chuaichín Mhaiseach” (“The Bonny Cuckoo”). The title “Sí Bheag Sí Mhor” references the otherworld “Sí”, who were said to have battled between two ranges of hills.
Edward Bunting (1773-1843), who made the collection and perpetuation of Irish harp music his life’s work following the 1792 gathering of Irish harpers in Belfast, included the Cuckoo melody in his 1840 collection, “Ancient Music of Ireland”, writing:
“….From this ancient melody procured by the Editor in the poetical district of Ballinascreen [Co. Sligo], another tune, “The little and great mountain” seems to have been arranged with some slight variations.”
I performed “Sí Bheag Sí Mhor” with Derek Bell and The Chieftains as a young teenager-a special moment that, unknown to me then, was to impact my future in a great many ways (another story, for another time, is that Derek Bell and The Chieftains were instrumental-pun intended!-in my ever getting harp lessons!). Mr. Bell nearly left the concert hall when Paddy Moloney gave an introduction along the lines of, “Now Lily and Derek will play a piece by the greatest harper who ever lived”. Standing up from his harp, in front of a few thousand people, Mr. Bell exclaimed, “If Paddy thinks Carolan is the greatest harp player then what are we doing here?!”. It was a genuine reaction and, with the whole theater wondering what was happening, I remember saying something about how it might be better to discuss the issue afterwards…!
I was lucky to perform with The Chieftains twice more, one of those times being shortly before Derek Bell died. In the filmed performance here, the particular key change is a deliberate nod to something that no doubt Paddy Moloney is laughing about somewhere with Derek Bell!
Lily Neill
lilyneill.com/...
/ lilyneillmusic

[@matthewswindle8635]

If the internet had more of this and fewer TikTok challenges, the world would be a better place.

[@wildflower1335]

🎉 Spectacular talent 👏 I love your music 🎶 I just subscribed ❤ I found you through "the Scottish Isle", UA-cam channel ❤️

[@singlereed]

That is spine-tingling good. One of my favourite tunes and this is the best performance. Wonderful.

[@amieharpson]

This is exceptional! Ultimate harping goals! Love it! ❤

[@pedro-e-o-lobo]

Ela fez harmônico na harpa 😳 ela subiu de tom no meio da música NA HARPA 😳

[@sapphiremelody4488]

This sounds lovely! Would you happen to have the sheet music?

[@Folkman55]

Lily, I love this song and I love your version. Thanks so much for posting!

[@johnkim791]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

I come from "The Scottish Isle"---and find great pleasure. Thankyou.

[@HarryVerey]

That's great Lilly and interesting notes you have provided

[@becaflor46]

A very nice version I can work my DADGAD guitar with ! :)
Thank you Lily !

[@sohgirl]

So beautiful! So many lovely Turlough O’Carolan tunes…

[@MarkHarmer]

Really nice version and I’m in love with the sound of that harp. Perfect for this music.

[@Dov_ben-Maccabee]

Maith tu! agus go raibh mile maith agat

[@MrMarkr1892]

The Scottish Isle diverted us here, such a perfect match for the scenery and cottage 👌

[@suzannetaichert8872]

Btfl rendition, 💚 the modulation & ornaments. The performer offers a confident presence.

[@leamasiello7908]

I like that you give room for the notes. Not a race with OCarolan.

[@bradt8019]

WOW!! This is beautiful! 😯👍

[@invisiblemikey4575]

Your arrangement and playing are extraordinary. This is a justly famous, popular tune, so part of the challenge is to grant regard but also transcend the efforts many others have offered. The ornaments, tempo and dynamics you've decided on are so tasteful and sensitive, I became tearful at first hearing. And that key change is both a joyful and insouciant choice, at least to traditionalists. I expect you'll never travel near my home town, so I must be content to purchase your recordings and enjoy your work here. I thank and bless you for your generosity in sharing it.

[@PS-pn9rd]

Beautiful music, talent and woman. Im in a trance

[@orangeskies6245]

This is so beautiful. Thank you for posting Lily.

[@paullyle3461]

Great version of that song and thanks for sharing it🎶❣️🌈

[@paullyle3461]

Good job Lilly, I loved the pitch raise, 🎶🌈

[@jimronayne97]

Beautiful Lily...👋👋

[@mikesoule1352]

Love your version. It has so much movement and you play so lightly, it's almost joyful. Thanks. 🎶🎵🎶

[@mnemex]

Very nice arrangement! Simple (except for the key change!) but very effective!

[@theGreta]

I just cannot get over the trilled ornaments you add. They're incredible, and a skill to which I aspire.

[@vertebrebis]

Jolie version ❤

[@pfles1]

Beautiful

[@HollyParaiso]

😮very nice.

[@leamasiello7908]

Such a lovely arrangement

[@Denise-SA]

Brava! Lovely 😍 👌

[@fairyfox5867]

wonderful job