Choral Choir,Choral (SSAA) - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1163839
Composed by anonymous/traditional. Arranged by Stella Claire ter Hart. Celtic,Contest,Festival,Folk,Historic,Irish,Multicultural,World. 14 pages. Stella ter Hart #749496. Published by Stella ter Hart (A0.1163839).
A new, exciting arrangement for SSAA choir of this much loved Scottish folk song. Stirring, powerful, harmonically rich and innovative, Skye Boat Song arranged by Stella ter Hart is perfect for advanced high school choirs, community and professional choirs.
The words behind this well-known song carry significant historical significance. The piece is actually not just a isn't that a lovely tune folksong. The familiar main chorus Speed bonny boat like a bird on the wing... is repeated between the four verses which tell the story of the brutal battle of Culloden in Scotland and the end of the Highland way of life.
The accompanying violin and piano are characters in their own right and use word painting to highlight the emotional text. Scottish snare adds drama! The vocal writing uses different effects to ensure each verse has its own impact and expression. Sure to be a favourite with intermediate and higher level treble choirs!
Speed bonny boat like a bird on the wing. Onward! the sailors cry. Carry the lad that is born to be King over the sea to Skye. Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar. Thunder clouds rend the air. Baffled our foes stand by the shore. Follow they do not dare. Though the waves leap soft shall ye sleep ocean's a royal bed. Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep watch by your weary head. Many's the lad fought on that day. Well the claymore did wield. When the night came silently lay Dead in Culloden's field. Burned are our homes. Exile and death scatter the loyal men. Yet e'er the sword cools in the sheath Charlie will come again. Speed bonny boat like a bird on the wing. Onward! the sailor’s cry. Carry the lad that is born to be King over the sea to Skye.
