The Swans and The Holy Man 

THE SWANS AND THE HOLY MAN
Here's something a bit different which I hope you will all enjoy - a new tune inspired by the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, as we mark the arrival of another somewhat different Easter Sunday. I haven't written many actual 'slow' airs but this is a brand new one entitled 'The Swans and The Holy Man' which is inspired by extracts from the wonderful book 'The Song of the Children of Lir' by Michael Scott, which provides a very detailed account of the familiar story of how the four children were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother, and banished to spend 900 years on the treacherous waters around the island of Ireland. This slow air marks the meeting between the swans and Mochua, the holy man who would introduce them to Christianity, and ultimately release them from the spell. I have also constructed a small scenic diorama to accompany the music.
Special thanks goes to my friend Robin Parkes who very generously gave the book 'The Song of The Children of Lir' as a gift to my son - the book has quickly become one of our very favourite books to read together.
Wishing everyone a joyous and happy Easter, with a firm optimism that things are definitely getting better xx