SKU: A0.1366489

This is one of the most well-known of all British folksongs and refers to real historical events. It has been used in film and television programs and known to almost everyone in Britain. Skye (also known as “The Isle of Skye�) is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. With an area of about 640 square miles, the island is about sixty miles long and lies close to the Scottish mainland.  

 The boat in the song (“Speed bonny boat�) refers to a small sailing ship that in 1746 “carried the lad who was born to be king� to the Isle of Skye. The lad in question was Prince Charles Edward Stuart known affectionately as “Bonnie Prince Charlie.� The song also refers to the Battle of Culloden of April 1746, the last ever battle on British soil, fought between the British Army and the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie.  

 In June 1746 and disguised as a maid-servant, Charles was secretly transported from the Hebridean island of Benbecula to the more southerly Isle of Skye. This is the event to which the song refers. 

The Skye Boat Song has its roots in a traditional Gaelic melody. In this lovely arrangement for B flat clarinet and piano, the piece begins in B flat concert, entirely in the clarinet's low register. The second section modulates to concert F mostly in the high register with the highest note being the C just above the treble staff. Movement around the break has been avoided. The arrangement is about UK ABRSM Grade 3 standard and it would make a splendid and rewarding addition to the repertoire of the young clarinet player.

SKU: A0.1070154

This mp3 is a midi recording of SKY SONG, based on the traditional Scottish folksong Skye Boat Song, arranged by Melanie Mitrano for voice, Bb clarinet or oboe, and piano.  This practice track is minus the vocal line, for class and individual rehearsal.

This piece is part of the Primary Studies in Vocal Chamber Music collection, the goal of which is to provide an entree into the world of collaborative music-making for the solo singer that is accessible to all levels and voice types.  The arrangements are suitable for use in either a private vocal studio or group voice class.

SKU: A0.581990

Gustav Holst's arrangement of the English folksong, Young Edwin in the Lowlands Low set by John Gibson for Bb clarinet and piano. This is an easy, early intermediate grade piece. Enjoy!