Scottish Music Centre

Catalogue Item

w18179

TitleAilein Duinn, Op 6
Contributors James V Conn (arranger)
Annie Campbell (composer)
Composition date2009
Duration (mins)0
Categoryaccompanied vocal
InstrumentationS Pf
Commissioned byMorgan Anne Roach
Key signature
First lineGu ra mi se tha fo eis lean
First performed
NotesTo Alan Morrison "Brown-haired Alan".
Programme NoteThe story behind the composition of "Ailein Duinn', is both tragic and romantic. The song is dedicated to a sailor called Ailean Moireasdan (Alan Morrison) whose fiancée was Annag Chaimbeul (Annie Campbell). One day, in 1788, Alan set off with his ship to Scalpay, Harris, where he and Annie would be married. In a tragic twist, the ship sailed into a storm and the ship and all on board were lost. After this tragedy, Annie lost the will to live and died from grief. Her body was discovered on the shore, not far from where Alan's body was found. Before she passed away, Annie composed this lament in memory of her lost love.
This work is associated with the following collection items:

  • score [cb34315] [publisher: Mannheim Classics] CONN ref library More details