Deep within the Celtic mist
Maidens of Melody exist
By flute and fiddle brought alive
Their grace and beauty to revive!
Irish Sheet Music Arrangements for violin and recorder/flute or two violins
Selected and arranged by Dorothea Barth. Great for Weddings, St. Patrick Day Celebrations, and Celtic Fairs!
To introduce Maidens of Melody, here is an excerpt from the Preface:
Irish music cast its spell early on in the dozen years I have performed as a duo of violin and recorders, so it was inevitable that I would be drawn to create new arrangements for this intimate combination of instruments.
The vast treasury of tunes (1850 in all) that comprises O’Neill’s Music of Ireland provided the melodies and inspiration for my second collection of duo arrangements. Many of the tunes called out to be grouped thematically, and an enticing theme that emerged is that of the maiden who inspires the melody. Maidens of Melody presents five such “suites” of tunes.
As in the previous collection, these arrangements can be played recorder and violin, flute and violin, or two violins. If the upper part is played on recorder, it is suggested that the recorder player switch between soprano, alto, and tenor recorders in accordance with the range and mood of each piece. We prefer to play the faster reels and gigs on soprano recorder and the more lyrical pieces on tenor recorder.
I hope that these melodies will be enjoyed by lovers of Celtic music both at home and for weddings and special events--and not just if your name is Mary or Molly!
The Five Suites:
Maidens of Melody
Mainly Mary
Treasured Tresses
Mostly Molly
Lastly Lasses
The sheet music for Maidens of Melody is now available as a digital download through Sheet Music Plus. Search by title or under Dorothy van Joolen Barth.
On June 25, 2015, our duo Kammeraderie released Maidens of Melody as a digital album. You may preview all the tracks, purchase individual tracks, or purchase the complete album through Amazon and iTunes. You can also listen to this album on most streaming platforms.
- Maidens of Melody CD Release Video
