Vince Janflone

My interpretation of “One of the Cragich” (ii, 72) from the Campbell Canntaireachd. A podcast with some background and a rendition of the tune, along with the set score is at this link:

“Hodin Hiotra” — “One of the Cragich”

Enjoy!

Vince Janflone

Here is a “sketch” of sorts. This is another “One of the Cragich” (i, 35) from the CC. The interpretation here departs somewhat from a more literal transcription of the canntaireachd and there are changes I would make moving forward. (Notably in the ground where I’ve played what would normally be E cadences as long Es.) I’ve tried to capture more of a feeling that evokes what the tune was used for. These “cragich” tunes seem extremely functional to me. The short length yet rapid development of the phrases in this one suggests a temporal component to the function or occasion of this tune. The circumstance this tune served did not have the time to develop mood over lengthy variations and doublings and folks would not be hanging around to listen for more. The tune has a somber yet regal rhythm that serves to mark “departures,” the moment when important folk were leaving home. Departures of all types are framed in time and this tune has a distinct ceremonial “send-off” feel. It may have been played as an important person got into a boat, disembarked from the rocky shore, and disappeared.

“Hiharin hiodreen”