The Piobaireachd Society
Patron: His Majesty The King
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Title
Lament for the Earl of Antrim
Alternative Title
Cumha Iarla Aontruim
Artist
Jack Lee, Malcolm R MacPherson, Donald MacGillivray, Gavin Stoddart, John Macfadyen, Bill Livingstone, Ronnie McShannon, Robert Reid
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Information
The Earls of Antrim are said to be descended from John MacDonald, Lord of the Isles. One of these Earls, Ranald MacDonald, was made a Marquis by King Charles in 1643 in anticipation of his raising an army for service with the King. He was unable to raise the promised number, but the following year he sent 1600 men to assist Montrose in Scotland. Some hold that this Lament was not for this Earl, but for his father who died in 1636.
The ground may be played in single or two bar phrases. Brown and Nicol inserted a G grace note on the last E in lines 1and 2 of the ground, as taught by John MacDonald.
Variation 1 is sometimes played in 5/4 timing, that is, with a full crotchet for the second E. Different timings might be heard in variation 3, for example distinct couplets or a more even treatment.
Kilberry’s ‘Further Sidelights’ contains a useful note regarding different styles of playing the tune.
Available in:
PS Book 3, Kilberry, Binneas
More
Angus MacKay Manuscript Earl of Antrim's Lament
Kintarbert (Angus MacKay) Manuscript The Earl of Antrim's Lament 86
David Glen's Book Lament, Earl of Antrim’s
John MacDougall-Gillies Manuscript Lament The Earl of Antrim
Ballindalloch MS Earl of Antrim's Lament