This is intended as a resource for my violin students and includes my selection of clips of pieces appearing on their violin exam syllabus. I am currently posting a module of Irish tunes during a period of lockdown due to corona virus.
The Star of the County Down is a very popular tune to a well known song. I would start by listening to some vocal versions. Van Morrison recorded it with the Chieftains (listen on the link here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSvVVzH3O5E). and the High Kings have also recorded it. It is always good to know a verse or two to help catch the feel of a song. Also I suggest you listen to an instrumental version on solo cello by well known British cellist Julian Lloyd Weber. I like the way the cellist repeats the last phrase at three different pitches at the finish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmylIY_d-8I In the song version, only the second part is repeated. My source for the version here is 'Tús Maith', a collection of folk tunes for beginners by Ciaran Deloughrey. Part 2 coming up in the next video Note Don't Forget you can adjust the setting of youtube videos to slow it down to half or even a quarter speed if you want a slower speed to play along with.
The Star of the County Down.
Near Banbridge town, in the County Down
One evening last July Down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín And she smiled as she passed me by. She looked so neat in her two bare feet To the sheen of her nut-brown hair Such a coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself To make sure I was standing there.
From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down.
