Celtic Voyage; A farewell to Mary Davis

My original digital composition for the Abandoned Not Forgotten Project. I wrote this suite when invited to contribute to the project. Inspired by the photos of Lise McGreevy, the poetry of Jim Johnston and the history of Irish ☘️ emigration, the first movement refers to the tradition of the ‘American Wake’ (when families emigrated in the 1800s, they were unlikely to return home, therefore a departure to America was viewed equally as a celebration and a mourning party or ‘wake’. Hence the term ‘American Wake’. The second movement ‘At Sea’ reflects the perils of the sea voyage, the rough seas, the mournful sounds of a distant bell, the joy of seeing the new country. Embarkation was a riot of mixed feelings: apprehension, fear, noise, new sights, sounds, languages etc. ‘A New Land’ uses the folk song “Home on the Range’ as its inspiration, hesitant at first as the emigrant tries to find their way in their adopted land, then growing in confidence as they find accommodation and a job. ‘A New Life’, is a celebration of experiences, friendships, a positive future.

Music 'Celtic voyage: A Farewell to Mary Davis'

by Marie-Therese Davis

Celebrating the Irish/Ulster-Scots traditions through atmospheric instrumental music.

I was commissioned to write this music for the project “Abandoned; Not Forgotten”, a story of emigration and re-settlement.

A short suite of short pieces relaying the experiences of the travellers, from ‘The American Wake’ a farewell to families and homes, the ‘Voyage across the sea’, arrival in a strange new land (A New Land), finding a place to live (A New Hope), a new life. The music is poignant yet builds up to a lively and hopeful climax.

#emigration #Ireland #Ulster Scots #celebrating our shared heritage #Northern Ireland #atmospheric music #folk music #classical music #contemporary composer

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Celtic Voyage

Marie-Thérèse Davis
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Celtic Voyage:

Marie-Therese Davis