Roma Ryan's notes to The Celts
Taken from The Celts liner notes
As this is primarily a soundtrack project, we felt it would be appropriate
to include the stories, images and thoughts behind the various themes which embrace
this album. They represent histories, mythologies, impressions, hopes and our individual
interpretations of them.
Aldebaran
The Red Giant Star, Aldebaran, found in the constellation Taurus, is the Eye
of the Bull. From the Arabic, Al Dabaran, it means 'the follower' as it 'follows' the
Pleiades. This piece portrays future Celts passing Aldebaran on their journey to new territories,
continuing the migratory pattern which was so predominant in their early
history.
I want To-Morrow
...thoughts of the present...
March of the Celts
...echoes from the past...
Deireadh an Tuath
Opened earth, spirits, incantations that earth may once again be fertile and thus
ensure the future of the Celts. Samhain, the greatest Celtic festival, marked the
beginning of their New Year-the 31st October-which is now celebrated as
Hallow'een or All Souls Night.
The Sun in the Stream
Inspired by the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge. In the Grove of the
Nine Wise Hazel Trees, from the Sacred Pool, the River Boyne flowed. The salmon
feasted on the rich crimson nut fallen from the hazel trees, and hence possessed
all the truth in the world.
To go Beyond
...reflection on the future...
Fairytale
This is based on the story of the Fairy King Midir and his love
for the beautiful princess Etain. It is a story of great love, jealousy, secrets,
and endurance, in which Etain is banished and transformed into a pool of water, from
which she emerges as a butterfly. Although immortal she is born a mortal child, one thousand
and twelve years after her first birth.
Epona
Epona was revered as the Horse Goddess and is portrayed with birds as well as horses,
with a bag or cornucopia. She is closely identified with Rhiannon. Her
birds are reputed to lull the living to sleep and to awaken the dead.
Triad...
St. Patrick
The son of a Roman official, Patrick was captured by a raiding party
of Celts when a boy, and spent six years in captivity. He escaped, became a priest
and returned to Ireland. According to legend it is St. Patrick who is
responsible for Ireland's conversion to Christianity and the final loss
of the old Celtic beliefs.
Cu' Chulainn
Cu' Chulainn means the "hound of Cullan." As a child his name was "Setanta"
meaning 'the little'. He became Cu' Chulainn when he killed the watchdog
of the smith Cullan, and so undertook to guard the smith's house in place of
the dog. Cu' Chulainnis one of the grea Irish heroes. The most famous deeds of this
hero are found in the saga Ta'in Bo' Cualgne (the cattle raid of Cooley).
Oisin
Oisin which means 'little fawn' left his home to journey to Tir na nOg,
the Land of Youth, with Niamh Cinn Oir, "Niamh of the Head of Gold." Timelessness-
he stayed 300 years, though never aged. On his return to Ireland he found his
contemporaries long dead, and Ireland now had St. Patrick and Christianity. Putting
his foot upon the earth, he lost Tir na nOg, and so aged and died.
Portrait...
...out of the blue...
Boadicea
Boadicea, or Boudicca, meaning Victorious, was Queen of the Iceni tribe of
East Anglia. She led a rebellion in 60 AD against the Romans, destroying the cities of Colchester,
St. Albans, and capturing London. She was eventually defeated by the Romans, and
rather than be humiliated by them, she poisoned herself.
Bard Dance
The Bard, in ancient Celtic times was a man of great importance.
His foremost function was in the praise of his king. He also entertained the
assembly, sometimes in eulogy, sometimes in satire. Together with the Druid,
Warrior, and Silversmith, he represents the image of the ancient Celt.
Dan y Dwr
Dan y Dwr...beneath the waters...the village Capel Celyn. this village in
Wales was submerged, against much protest and struggle by its
inhabitants, in order to accomodate a resevoir. This is a lament for the loss
of Capel Celyn, memories now held beneath the water.
Email: beagcroi@yahoo.com
