Jacobite Cd.Pdf
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Jamie Mcbrid e - A Sco t tish Teno r In this CD I wanted to tell the story of Scotland’s history through song. Our present and our future are shaped by our past, and how we see ourselves as Scots is reflected in our songs. My choice of songs tells of the Scots pride in their nation, their battle for freedom and their passion for their country. Our history is one of tragedy and triumph, Scotland may have been defeated, but the Scots have never been conquered. Many of these songs are accompanied by the pipes, for the sound of the pipes is an emotive one for Scots, whether a rousing march or a sad lament. For those who have left Scotland, it is the sound of the pipes that will remind them of their homeland and its past. This past is reflected in the words of this Scottish Song Collection. Throughout my lifetime, I have sung with various companies including Rsnoc, Edinburgh Grand Opera, Edinburgh Southern light opera and Allegro. I have recently also recorded my “Giacomo Puccini favourite arias album” which is now available. In earlier years I sang in a rock band called ‘Tartan‘ touring the middle east while working in the oil industry. After completing my work in the middle east I entered into business and raised a family in Edinburgh. I also attended Napier University, and worked with various vocal teachers in summer school master classes along with the late Franco Corelli in Florence which is a highlight in my life that I fondly remember. battle of prestonpans ’Johnnie Cope‘ This song tells of the famous Jacobite victory at Prestonpans. Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Highlanders had captured Edinburgh, and Sir John Cope, leader of the Hanoverian troops, assembled east of the city at Prestonpans awaiting reinforcements. The Jacobite Commander, Lord George Murray, launched a surprise attack early in the morning of the 21st September 1745, catching Sir John unawares and defeating the government force in less than 15 minutes. The road to London now seemed clear for the Jacobite army. Robert Burns ’Ye Jacobites by Name‘ This was originally an anti-Jacobite song reworked in 1792 by Robert Burns who toned it down to a more general anti-war song. The economic benefits of the Union of Scotland and England were beginning to be seen by the middle of the 18th century. War comes at a cost, not only financial, but the lives of young men. The defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden was the last battle to be fought on British soil, and domestic peace for Great Britain meant prosperity for Scotland. Many remained loyal to the Stuarts, but in reality it was a lost cause. Bonnie Dundee / Sir Walter Scott ’Bonnie Dundee‘ John Graham, Viscount Dundee was known to his followers as ‘Bonnie Dundee’. In 1688, James II fled, leaving the British throne to his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. Dundee stayed loyal to James and led the first Jacobite rising – drawing most of his support from the Highlands. He was victorious at the Battle of Killiecrankie, but was fatally wounded by a stray bullet at the moment of victory and the Jacobites, confused and disorganised, fled the battlefield. A poem was written by Sir Walter Scott which was later adapted into a song. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was born in Edinburgh, and was a historical novelist and poet. Scott told history as a story. He had a feel for the scenes where history happened and could convey this in his novels and poems. Walter Scott is regarded by many as the writer who made the novel a valued literary form, and as he became internationally read, so Scotland's story was spread. Bonnie Prince Charlie ’Wha wadna fecht for Charlie‘ Prince Charles Edward Stuart son of James VIII landed in Scotland in 1745. He raised his standard at Glenfinnan on the West Coast of Scotland. ‘I am persuaded my faithful Highlanders will stand by me’ he said. This song was written to inspire men to follow Bonnie Prince Charlie into battle, and talks of Scotland’s heroes such as William Wallace. The words give us an understanding of the brave hearts of the Highlanders and their loyalty to the Stuart Cause. Many wore white cockades in their hats to demonstrate loyalty to the Stuarts. ’Charlie is my darling‘ The lyrics of this song were written by Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairn (1766- 1845), known as the Flower of Strathearn because of her beauty. Her father and grandfather fought with Bonnie Prince Charlie and she was named after him, Carolina being the feminine form of Charles. The Prince was young and handsome and he had a large female support, many giving money and hospitality and acting as spies. He stayed for several weeks in Edinburgh where he charmed the ladies, many of whom became ardent supporters of the Jacobite Cause. William Wallace / Robert Burns ’Scot’s Wha Hae‘ The words were written by Robert Burns in 1793, and it’s a song about the struggle for freedom. Burns did much to restore a sense of pride and worth to the Scots. It takes the form of a speech by Robert the Bruce to his men before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. It reminds them of William Wallace, who led Scotland to triumph over the much larger, better-armed and better-trained English forces. Even today the heroism of Wallace continues to be an inspiration. Led by Bruce, the Scots won the Battle of Bannockburn against Edward II’s English army and maintained their sovereignty. William of Orange ’The Massacre of Glencoe‘ William of Orange offered the Highlanders who had taken part in Dundee’s Uprising a pardon in return for an Oath of Allegiance. Alistair MacIan, the 12th Chief of Glencoe took the oath after the deadline of the 1st January 1692. On 13th February Government soldiers led by Captain Robert Campbell marched into Glencoe. After accepting two weeks of MacDonald hospitality they butchered 38 of the clan. Campbell was acting on direct orders from Dalrymple of Stair, counter-signed by King William. The massacre shocked Scotland and provided propaganda for the Jacobites. The next 50 years of British history were characterised by Jacobite risings. Robert Burns / KING JAMES Vii ’There’ll never be peace till Jamie comes hame‘ Robert Burns created the words for this song. James VII and II died in 1701 and his son ‘Jamie’ is James VIII of Scotland and III of Great Britain. The Act of Union of 1707 united Scotland and England and was unpopular in Scotland. The Jacobites took advantage, and attempted a Rising in 1708 that failed. Queen Anne died in 1714 and George of Hanover became king, and in 1715 there was another Rising led by the Earl of Mar. He was defeated at the Battle of Sherriffmuir. The song tells of a country in turmoil and the loss of its young men. Flora Macdonald / battle of culloden ’The Skye Boat Song‘ Having made it as far as Derby not that far from London, in December 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie was advised to retreat. Government forces pursued the Jacobite rebels, until finally at Culloden Moor, just outside Inverness, Bonnie Prince Charlie was finally defeated in April 1746. He fled the battlefield and was given refuge by the Highlanders who risked their lives to help him. 24 year old Flora MacDonald helped him escape to Skye. The words of this song were written by Sir Harold Boulton in the 1870s and tell of the defeat at Culloden and the death of loyal men, but also of hopes for the return of the Prince. Robert the Bruce ’Flower of Scotland‘ Written by Roy Williamson of the Corries in 1967, this song is one of the songs that have become an unofficial national anthem for Scots. It’s played at sporting events and refers to the Scots victory, led by Robert the Bruce, over the English at Bannockburn in 1314. Robert the Bruce was unquestionably one of our most famous kings. Many legends have been written of Bruce’s heroic deeds. He fought for his throne against the English and against a backdrop of murder and treachery. Our Saltire & Lion Rampant ’Caledonia‘ Caledonia was the Roman word for Scotland, and the lyrics for this song were written in the 1970s by Dougie MacLean. In the aftermath of the Jacobite Rebellion and during the 19th and 20th centuries, many Scots left Scotland to begin a new life in a new land. This is a song of homecoming ‘Caledonia, you’re calling me, and now I’m going home’. Wherever Scots have settled they never forget their heritage and the powerful emotional link to their homeland. New Scottish Parliament ’Highland Cathedral‘ Another unofficial national anthem, the melody for this was originally written as a pipe-tune by two Germans Michael Korb and Ulrich Roever in the 1980s. The lyrics are about the aspirations of Scots today and are more forward looking, rather than being focused on events in the past. In 1997 a referendum was held and the people of Scotland voted in favour of devolution. The new Scottish Parliament building at the foot of the Royal Mile has caused controversy, but it’s symbolic of a new chapter in our nation’s history. It is a chapter where the Scottish people can shape their own future with passion and pride. The Cockenzie & Port Seton Pipes & Drums Special thanks to pipe Major Roderick David Paton and Lynne Paton of the Cockenzie and Port Seton Pipes and Drums band only formed in November 2009 and who specialise in the training of east of Scotland youth, recognised by national lottery funding.