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Ceòl is Dannsa

'S ann neo-fhoirmeil a bhithear an ceòl ga chluich 's a' Ghàidhealtachd seo. 'S e ceòl na fìdhleadh as motha a tha comharrachadh ceòl nan sgìreachdan Gàidhealach 's a' Mhór-roinn, agus tha aobhar air. Chanadh a' sluagh fhéin, ‘Chan eil duine cho portmhor ris a’ Ghàidheal’, agus dhearbhar am beachd sin ann an iomadh talla danns neo cidsin air feadh an àite.

Gun teagamh 's e stoidhle tur Gàidhealach a th’aig na fidhleirean a thug iad leoth’ as an t-seann dùthaich, làn ruitheam is beòthalachd, agus dlùth fhuaighte ris a’ chànain. Tha na puirt-a-beul, le’m faclan, a’ freagairt do chuid mhór dhe na seann phuirt. 'S iomadh port barraichte a rinneadh ann a’ seo, 's tha an t-ògradh air gabhail ris a’ cheòl mar chomharra dearbh-aithne.

Anns na h-àiteachan Gàidhealach, chluicheadh na pìobairean ionadail air dannsaichean cho math ris na fídhleirean. Tha an ceòl sin air tighinn beò a rithist, taobh ris a’ phiobaireachd fhoirmeil thugadh astaigh as deaghaidh sin bho na réiseamaidean Breatannach.

A’ freagairt dhan cheòl ghàthasach tha dòigh shònraichte air danns aig na Gàidheil – a’ deanadh ceum – a tha sgileil 's air fuireach air leth bho bhuaidh saoghail na Beurla.

Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson

In Gaelic Nova Scotia, music is played at informal occasions. The fiddle is what most often characterizes the music in the province’s Gaelic communities, and for a reason. As the Gaels themselves would say, ‘There is no one as musical as the Gael’, and that is amply demonstrated in the kitchens and the village halls throughout the region.

The fiddle style is clearly a Gaelic one that the immigrants brought with them from the old country; both lively and rhythmic, and closely linked to the language. There are mouth music tunes with their words that correspond to many of the old tunes. A large number of outstanding tunes have been composed here, and the younger generation has adopted fiddle music as a badge of identity.

In the Gaelic settlements, local pipers as well as fiddlers used to play for dances, and their music is now being revived, existing beside the more formal piping, which came in later from the British regiments.

Complementing the instrumental music is a distinctive Gaelic variety of dance – step dancing – which requires great skill and has remained distinct from English and mainstream dance styles.

Ceap Breatainn: Loch Bhras d’Or

Ceòl is Dannsa

Eòs Peadar mac Theàrlaich ’ic Eòis, Fìdhlear 2

Facal-toisich

Anns a’ bhidio seo, tha Eòs Peadair a’ bruidhinn air mar a thog e a chuid chiùil agus a’ seinn sreath do phuirt. Tha pàirt dhiubh `nam puirt à beul.

Neach-aithris: Eamag Dhòmhnallach

This video features a conversation with Joe Peter MacLean. He speaks about the manner in which he learned his tunes and plays a selection from his repertoire; several of these tunes have accompanying words.

See video

Puirt air an seinn le Eòs mac Thearlaich `ic Eòis.

Tunes by Joe Peter MacLean.

Eòs Peadar mac Theàrlaich 'ic Eòis

Thòisich Eòs Peadar mac Theàrlaich ’ic Eòis air fìdhleareach a dh'ionnsachdh air a' chluais aig an taigh. B' i a' Ghàidhlig a' cheud chànan a bh' aige am broinn an taighe. Chaidh Eòs Peadar a bhreith `s a thogail faisg Baghasdail `s a' sgìreachd Locha Màiri Eumain. B' ann à Uibhist a Deas a bha sinnsearan Eòis. `S e Deasaich a bu mhuth' a sheatlig anns na crìochan goirid do Bhaghasdail. Tha meas mór aig na h-uile air Eòs Peadar mar neach-tagraidh na Gàidhlig tro cheòl `s a chuid sheanchais.

Neach-aithris: Eamag Dhòmhnallach

Joe Peter MacLean is a Gaelic-speaking fiddler who began learning music by ear at home. He was born and raised at MacAdam's Lake near Boisdale. His family's origins are in South Uist. Primarily South Uist folk settled in the area surrounding Bosidale. Joe Peter is a Gaelic supporter highly regarded by all for his music and traditional lore.

Siorramachdan Antaiginis is Phiogto

Ceòl is Dannsa

Natalie DeCoste, Dannsair

Facal-toisich

Natalie DeCoste a' dannsa ri ruidhlichean. Tha na puirt air an cluich le Kayla Marchand. Ainmeannan nam port: Rannie MacLellan’s Reel, Miss Susan Cooper.

Neach-aithris: Frangag NicEachainn

Reels danced to by Natalie Decoste, set played by Kayla Marchaned. The tunes: Rannie MacLellan’s Rell, Miss Susan Cooper.

See video

Rannie MacLellan's Reel - Ruidhle - Brenda Stubbert

Miss Susan Cooper - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta

Ceòl le Kayla Marchand.

Natalie DeCoste dances to a couple of reels played by Kayla Marchand.

Crìochan Chamuis Anna

Ceòl is Dannsa

Mìcheal Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh Dhòmhnaill, Fìdhlear

Facal-toisich

Ruidhlichean is caismeachdan air an cluich aig cuirm-chiùil, no danns, le Mìcheal MacDhùghaill.

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

Reels and marches played at a concert or dance by Mike MacDougall.

Puirt air an cluich le Mìcheal Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh Dhòmhnaill

Am Muileann Dubh - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta
King George’s Reel - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta
Far am Bi Mi Fhìn -Caismeachd luath - Traidiseanta

- Ceòl le Mìcheal Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh Dhòmhnaill

© Ralph Rinzler

Am Muileann Dubh

Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh

Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa

Tha an crodh a' breith nan laogh
Anns a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha an crodh a' breith nan laogh
Anns a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhradh
Tha an crodh a' breith nan laogh
Anns a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha an crodh a' breith nan laogh
Anns a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhradh

Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa

Far am bi mi fhìn

Sèist
Far am bi mi fhìn is ann a bhios mo dhòchas
Far am bi mi fhìn is ann a bhios mo dhòchas
Far am bi mi fhìn is ann a bhios mo dhòchas
Far am bi mi fhìn bidh mo dhòchas ann

Théid mi fhìn is Sìne null gu taigh a' phìobair
Théid mi fhìn is Sìne null gu taigh a' phìobair
Théid mi fhìn is Sìne null gu taigh a' phìobair
'S nì sinn brod an ruidhle leinn fhìn air an làr

'S mur toir am pìobair port dhuinn airson ruidhle
'S mur toir am pìobair port dhuinn airson ruidhle
'S mur toir am pìobair port dhuinn airson ruidhle
'S ann a bheir sinn sgrìob chun an fhìdhlear bhàn

Siubhal air na cladaichean 's a' coiseachd air a' ghainmhich
Siubhal air na cladaichean 's a' coiseachd air a' ghainmhich
Siubhal air na cladaichean 's a' coiseachd air a' ghainmhich
Far am bi mi fhìn bidh mo dhòchas ann

Tunes by Mike MacDougall.

Mìcheal Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh

`S ann an Ingonish a chaidh Mìcheal Dhòmhnaill Ruairidh Dhòmhnaill a bhreith is a thogail.  Thàinig cuideachd Mhicheil à Barraigh. `S e bhith `g iasgach a bu chosnadh dha, ach `s ann airson a chuid fhìdhleireachd a bha e ainmeil. `S e taigh céilidh a bh' aig Clann Dùghaill, teaghlach a bha làn chiùil.  Bu mhinig a dheigheadh Mìcheal dha `n Chladach a Tuath a sheinneadh an fhìdheall aig dannsaichean. 

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

Mike MacDougall was born and raised in Ingonish.  His people came from Barra.  He was a fisherman by trade, but famous for his outstanding fiddling.  People would come from all over to the MacDougall house to hearing piping, fiddling, and song.  The family was noted as being very musical.  Many times, Mike would head down to the North Shore to play for dances there. 

Crìochan Chamuis Anna

Ceòl is Dannsa

Alasdair mac Coinnich `ic Iain `ic Iain, Puirt a Beul

Facal-toisich

'S iomadh port a bh’ air a chumail `s air aisigeadh thro phuirt-a-beul. Seo dhuibh trì dhiubh a bha cumanta am measg an t-sluaigh.

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

Many of the old tunes were retained and passed on through mouth-music. Here are three common on the island: The Black Mill; Soldier’s Joy; Miss Drummond of Perth.

Puirt a Beul air an gabhail le Alasdair mac Choinnich `ic Iain `ic Iain

Nead na Circe Fraoich/Am Muileann Dubh

‘Nam Amadan ‘Nam Amadan a Bha Mi Riamh

Calum Crùbach

- Alasdair mac Choinnich `ic Iain `ic Iain

© Ralph Rinzler

Mouth music by Sandy Kenny Morrison.

Alasdair mac Coinnich `ic Iain `ic Iain

Rugadh Alasdair mac Coinnich `ic Iain `ic Iain ann an Còbh na Reag, far na sheitlig na daoine aige a thàinig às na Hearadh.  Chuir e seachad a bheatha ri saorsainneachd is togail bhàtaichean.  Bha ainm aige a bhith math gu seinn. Ghabhadh e òrain còmhla ri na Seinneadearan a Chladaich a Tuath, agus bheireadh e amach a' loidhne `s an eaglais. Thathas a' creidsinn gum b' e Alasdair a' fear fa dheireadh a bha air a réiteachadh a's an t-seann nòs.

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

Sandy Kenny Morrison settled in Wreck Cove where is people settled when they came to Nova Scotia from Harris.  Sandy Kenny was a carpenter and built boats also.  He was well regarded as a singer and sang with the North Shore Gaelic Singers.  He was also lead precenting in the church.  He appeared in Cape Breton's Magazine as well sharing his story.  It is believed that Sandy Kenny was the last man to participate in a traditional engagement rite.

Siorramachdan Antaiginis is Phiogto

Ceòl is Dannsa

Wilfred mac Lachlain `ic Steabhain, Fìdhlear

Facal-toisich

Ruidhlichean na bainnseadh – dà ruidhle – air a' seinn le Wilfred MacIlliosa.

Neach-aithris: Frangag NicEachainn

Wedding reels – two reel played by Wilfred Gillis.

Puirt air an gabhail le Uilleam MacIllios’

An Gabh thu Bean a Dhòmhnaill Bhig - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta
The Periwig - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta

“Cuir a chadal a chàraid”
Port: The Periwig

Tha mi toileach `dol a laigh
Tha mi toileach ---
Tha mi toileach `dol a laigh
Leis a chaileag bhoidheach.

Séisd:
Horo leanaidh mi thu, leanaidh mi thu, leanaidh mi thu
A h-uile ceum gun ni thu caoidh

Tunes by Wilfred Gillis.

Wilfred mac Lachlain Steabhain

Rugadh Wilfred mac Lachlain Steabhain ann an Àrasaig, Siorramachd Antaiginis. B’e an t-ochdamh glùn do shliochd fhìdhleirean a thàinig anall à Mórar. Chuir Wilfred suim ‘sa cheòl nuair a bha e `na chnapach ag éisdeachd ri seinn athar. Bha Wilfred shuas Ottawa fad iomadh bliadhna ag obair ann an t-seirbheis na staiteadh.

Neach-aithris: Frangag NicEachainn

Wilfred Gillis was born in Arisaig, Antigonish County. He was the eighth generation of a family of fiddle players, who originated in Morar. Wilfred got his start on the fiddle as a boy, listening to his father Lauchie. Wilfred moved to Ottawa where he lived for many years and had a career with the civil service.

Ceap Breatainn an Ear-Dheas

Ceòl is Dannsa

Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain, Fìdhleir 2

Facal-toisich

Seo Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain a' seinn na fìdhleadh 's Anna NicLeòid a' toirt taic ris air a' phiano.

Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain

Tunes played by John Neil MacLean and Anna MacLeod.

Puirt air an seinn le Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain

Puirt air an gabhail le Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain.

© Cranford Publications

Tunes by John Neil MacLean.

Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain

B’ ann a shliochd Uibhist a Tuath a bha Iain Niall mac Sheòrais `ic Iain `ic Iain. Rugadh e ann an Léig Ghabarus, Siorramachd Cheap Breatainn. Bha Gàidhlig aig a phàrantan `s suim mhór aca ann an ceòl na fìdhle. Thog e fìdhlearachd 'na ghill' òg. Bhiodh Iain Niall a’ cluich aig dannsaichean air feadh Cheap Breatainn an Ear Dheas. Bha e `na thoileachadh dha a bhith a’ measg chàirdean ag eiridh air puirt a' riarachadh.

Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain

John Neil MacLean was a third-generation descendent of settlers from North Uist. Born in Lake Gabarus, he was a well-respected electrician in Cape Breton/Richmond counties. John Neil was raised in a home rich in the Gaelic tradition; his parents were both fluent Gaelic speakers and their love for music was strong. Their neighbour, Earl MacVicar got John Neil started on the fiddle when he was just a boy; and school teacher Alex Ferguson, who boarded with the MacLeans, often helped John Neil pick out a few tunes in the evenings. John Neil played for dances throughout Southeastern Cape Breton and took great joy in having friends visit and sharing tunes.
 

Siorramachd Inbhir Nis

Ceòl is Dannsa

Coinneach MacCoinnich, Pìobaire

Facal-toisisch

Chìthear a's a' phìos seo pìobaire air leth a' seinn sreath do phuirt; srath spé agus ruidhlichean 'nam measg.  Cluinnear cuideachd beagan seanchais aig Coinneach.  `S e Seònaid Cluett a ghabhas danns ann.

Neach-aithris: Séidheag Nic’illeMhaoil

In this piece, you'll see a terrific piper playing a few tunes, a strathspey and a couple of reels.  You'll hear also a little bit about the piper himself, Kenneth MacKenzie.  Jenny Cluett gives a dance at the end of the video.

See video

Calum Crùbach - Srath Spé - Traidiseanta

Muileann Dubh - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta

Dan J Campbell - Ruidhle - Traidiseanta

Calum Crùbach

Calum Crùbach ás a’ ghleann
Cum thall na caoraich uile
Calum Crùbach ás a’ ghleann
Cum thall na caoraich

Cum thall; na toir a nall
Cum thall na caoraich uile
Cum thall; na toir a nall
Cum thall na caoraich

Muilean Dubh

'S iomadh rud nach saoil sibh
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
'S iomadh rud nach saoil sibh
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh
'S iomadh rud nach saoil sibh
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
'S iomadh rud nach saoil sibh
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh

Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa

Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh

Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa

Tunes by Kenneth MacKenzie.

Coinneach mac Raghnaill Aonghais Raghnaill Chlachair à Gearradh Bhailteas

`S ann à Méinnean Mhàbu a tha Coinneach mac Raghnall Aonghais (Raghnaill Chlachair à Gearradh Bhailteas). Dh’imrich athair às Uibhist a Deas gus a theaghlach a thogail ann am Màbu. `S e NicMhuirich a bu mhàthair athar dha, bho theaghlach a bha beairteach ann an dualchas, gu h-àraid ann am pìobaireachd. Chaidh Coinneach a thogail leis a’ Ghàidhlig agus ghabh e suim 's a' phìob dar a bha e `na ghill’ òg. `S a' là `n diugh, tha Coinneach `na innleadair aig Halifax Biomedical. Tha e ainmeil math gu pìobaireachd `s fìdhlearachd agus gheobhar gu tric e ann an cuideachd a bhràithrean, Aonghas `s Calum. Tha Aonghas `na phìobair' iomraiteach agus tha Calum air leth math air an fhidhill `s air a’ phiano.

Neach-aithris: Séidheag Nic’illeMhaoil

Kenneth Archibald MacKenzie is from Mabou Coal Mines. His father, Ronald, is a native Gaelic speaker from South Uist who emigrated to Mabou to raise his family. Kenneth’s paternal grandmother was from the Currie family of South Uist, who were renowned for their cultural traditions, especially in piping. Kenneth was brought up with the Gaelic language and took an interest in bagpiping when he was a child. Today, Kenneth is an engineer and works at Halifax Biomedical in Mabou. He is a well-regarded player on the highland pipes, border pipes and fiddle and is often found in the company of his brothers Angus, also an esteemed bagpiper, and Calum, a fine fiddler and piano player.

Crìochan Chamuis Anna

Ceòl is Dannsa

Còta Mór Ealasaid

Facal-toisich

`S e port a beul a tha ri chluinntinn a' seo, ruidhle gun urra, air a ghabhail le Dòmhnall mac Aonghais Tùisg.  Gheobhar am port air feadh an eilein, gu h-àraid am measg fhìdhleirean.

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

This piece is a port a beul, a traditional reel, sung by Montana Dan Morrison.  The tune is well known around the island, especially among fiddlers.

Còta Mór Ealasaid

Còta Mór Ealasaid

Ruidhle Gun Urra

Tha còta mór Ealasaid air Anna nighean an fhìdhleir
Tha còta mór Ealasaid air Anna `dol a phòsadh
Tha còta mór Ealasaid air Anna nighean an fhìdhleir
Tha ribeannan air Ealasaid, an nìneag a `s bòidhche

Air Iseabal, air Ealasaid, air Anna nighean an fhìdhleir
Air Iseabal, air Ealasaid, air Anna `dol a phòsadh
Air Iseabal, air Ealasaid, air Anna nighean an fhìdhleir
Tha còta mór Ealasaid air Anna `dol a phòsadh
 

Gaelic mouth music, Elizabeth's Great Coat, Traditional Reel.

Dòmhnall mac Aonghais Tùisg

Bhuineadh Montana Dan Moireasdan (Dòmhnall mac Aonghais Tùisg) do Chùl na h-Aibhne Bige, goirid dha 'n Sgeir Dhuibh. `S ann às na Hearadh a bha a chuideachd.  Fhuair e leas-ainm air a thill e dhachaidh - as deaghaidh dha bhith `na chìobair chaorach ann am Montana grunn do bhliadhnaichean. Bha Dan `na sheinneadair anns a' chòmhlan Seinneadearan a Chladaich a Tuath.

Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan

Montana Dan Morrison belonged to Rear Little River, close by to Skir Dubh. His people came from Harris.  He got his nickname after returning from Montana where he spent some years working a sheep herder. He was a reknowned singer and member of the North Shore Gaelic singers.

Ceap Breatainn an Ear-Dheas

Ceòl is Dannsa

Billidh Mac-a-Phì, Fìdhleir

Facal-toisich

Anns a’ phìos seo, cluinnidh sibh caismeachd, srath spé agus ruidhlichean, air an cluich le Uilleam Mac a' Phì.

Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain

In this clip, Billy MacPhee plays a march, strathspey and follows with reels. The tunes: King of the Fairies, The Warlocks, Carl MacKenzie, Malcolm Finlay, Charlie’s Brother.

See video

King of the Fairies (Traidiseanta) – Caismeachd
The Warlocks (Robert Lowe)- Srath Spé
Carl MacKenzie (Jim MacKenzie) – Ruidhle
Malcolm Finlay (Traidiseanta) - Ruidhle
Charlie’s Brother (Traidiseanta) - Ruidhle

'Air a chleachdadh le cead.

Tunes by Billy MacPhee.

Used with permission.

Billidh Mac-a-Phì

Rugadh Billidh Mac a' Phì ann am Bràigh na h-Aibhne. Dh’éirich e suas ann an coimhearsnachd air leth ceòlmhor. B'e cuid dhe na nàbaidhean fìdhlearan mar a bha Eòs `s Dòmhnall MacIllFhaolain, Eòs MacCormaic agus Pàdraig Cogswell. Ged `s e am bogs' a sheinneadh athair, lean Billidh, `s a bhràithrean, air bràthair an athar, Amos, agus thog iad an fhìdheall uile.

Dh’fhuirich Billidh ann am Baile Shudnaidh fad bhliadhnaichean far a robh e air fhastadh ann aig muileann na stàilinn. Bha e `na thoileachadh dha a chluich aig dannsaichean agus mu choinneamh luchd-éisteachd aig cuirmean-ciùil, céilidhean agus anns na taighean altraim. B'ann à Colbhasa a bha Cloinn-a-Phì seo an toiseach.

Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain

Born in Lower River Inhabitants, Billy MacPhee grew up in a community rich in musical tradition; his neighbours included violinists “Baby” Joe and Donald MacLellan, Joe MacCormack and Patrick Cogswell. Although his father played the accordion, Billy and his brothers followed their uncle Amos MacPhee’s footsteps and picked up the violin. Billy’s ancestors were emigrants from the Isle of Colonsay. Billy resided in Sydney for years and made a living at the Steel Plant. He loved playing for dances and enjoyed entertaining audiences of every kind, often performing in concerts, ceilidhs and nursing homes.