Mark Sirett has arranged many Celtic folk songs for a variety of different voices. Here is a listing of these arrangements as well as his original compositions inspired by the Celtic tradition:
A Blessing
SA & piano, Alliance Music AMP-0712
This is an Irish blessing and was commissioned by St. John’s Ravenscourt Boys’ Choir, Winnipeg MB, under the direction of Michael Proudfoot. This lyrical, prayer-like setting is suitable for children, teens and adults the last verse includes a wonderful descant. See score YouTube ou
The Blessing of Light
SATB & piano (or organ), Pavane Music P1614
It was time for a new piece to serve as the concert closer and this is it. Selected for the Mike Scheibe Choral Series, this benediction uses the text of an ancient Scottish blessing that can be used for Epiphany, Evensong, or general benediction. Warm, deep and melodic, this is benediction that can be used in any setting, including church, school, college, community. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
Auld lang syne
Trad. Scottish arr. Sirett, SATB, piano & flute, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48019697
SSA, piano & flute, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023947
A moving setting of the wonderful Burns words to the original version of the Scottish air (different that the one often heard!) This is the perfect conclusion to a holiday concert, and also appropriate for graduation and other times of farewell. See score & listen
Beltane – A Branch of May
SATB, SSA, & orchestra (strings, fl, ob, hp, perc), Boosey and Hawkes M051-47958-0
The text for this work is comprised of several traditional May Day carols and sonnets from a variety of sources ranging from the medieval era to the 17th century. Musically, the work embraces many different styles, but is largely a tribute to the folk traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. It is scored for SATB chorus, children’s or women’s choir, and Piano. See score & listen YouTube
Carrickfergus
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47745-6
This gorgeous Irish love song expresses the yearning of a young man for his love many miles away. A wonderfully expressive piano accompaniment supports this romantic ballad that will melt your heart. This has become very popular among many male choruses worldwide. YouTube YouTube
Celtic Carol (Sweet was the Song)
SATB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music KH 012
A setting of an old medieval text “Sweet was the song, the song the virgin sang”, believe to have originated in Scotland. Lush sustained harmonies compliment the sentiment of this beautiful text . Winner of the Amadeus Carol Competition. See score & listen YouTube
new release 2021 Christmas in Carrick
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, SATB, fiddle or piccolo, bodhrán or spoons, Cypress Choral Music CP 1912
SSA fiddle or piccolo, bodhrán or spoons, Cypress Choral Music CP 1921
TBB fiddle or piccolo, bodhrán or spoons, Cypress Choral Music CP 1920
A high energy Celtic celebration of the Christmas season…Pass the punch around the table, Christmas comes but once a year! See score & listen YouTube
The Cliffs of Dooneen
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1164
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1889
SSA and piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165
This popular and haunting Irish folk song extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
Cloths of Heaven
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 022
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 021
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 023
A moving setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heaven’s embroidered cloths.” Commissioned for the Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival, Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo. There are two instrumentations available from the composer 1. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano or 2) wind quintet and piano. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube or YouTube
The Curragh of Kildare
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Boosey and Hawkes M-051-479597
This exquisite Irish ballad tells the tragic love story of a young girl who goes to the Curragh to find news of her handsome love, a young man destined to be killed with his compatriots in battle. See score & listen YouTube
Dear Old Ireland
Trad. Irish-Canadian arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-48095-1
A rollicking lumberjack jig tells the tale of Irish lads, who valiantly face hardships of the Canadian woods but long for their home in the Emerald Isle. Lively and full of humour. See score & listen Youtube or Youtube
Deep Peace (Gaelic Grace)
SATB, piano or organ, Jubilate Music (H.W. Gray) 00-34854
A heartfelt setting of the traditional Gaelic blessing, ‘Deep Peace’ can be performed a cappella or with accompaniment. This recent release will become a favourite for many occasions including services on peace, weddings and general benediction. See score & listen YouTube
The Dying Rebel
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes 051-48136-1
This poignant ballad recounts the tragic death of a young rebel from Cork during in the famous 1916 Easter Rising which proclaimed the Irish Republic independent of Britain. Expressive and emotional. See score & hear YouTube
Farewell to Tarwathie
Trad. Scottish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1357
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1597
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1876
This lovely Scottish folk song, made famous by Judy Collins and Pete Seeger, is suitable for community, high school and college/university singers. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube
The Fields of Athenry
Pete St. John arr. Sirett, SATB, piano, flute, oboe, violin & percussion
With permission of composer, Pete St. John, Mark Sirett arranged his wonderful “Fields of Athenry” for the Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, for the Cork International Choral Festival, Ireland 2002. YouTube
Gaelic Grace
SATB, piano or organ, Jubilate Music (H.W. Gray) 00-34854
A heartfelt setting of the traditional Gaelic blessing, ‘Deep Peace’ can be performed a cappella or with accompaniment. This recent release will become a favourite for many occasions including services on peace, for weddings or general benediction. See score & listen YouTube
Go, Lassie, Go
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051476596
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051475308
Instrumental parts for flute, oboe, violin & bass: M051105106
The words to this folk-song are well known both in Scotland and Ireland. This is a lively rendition that sets the audiences toes ‘a-tappin’. A lively opening or conclusion to a concert. YouTube
The Holy Ground
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, TTBB a cappella Boosey & Hawkes HL48023063
The Holy Ground is a traditional nineteenth-century folksong from County Cork, Ireland and is based on a Welsh sea shanty, “The Lass of Swansea Town.” Written for, and dedicated to, Diane Loomer, founding director of the male chorus, Chor Leoni, this is a reflective arrangement of what is often a boistrous “tavern song,” capturing the sad sentiment of the lyrics. See score & listen
Irish Lullaby
SA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47134-8
A charming traditional lullaby sung in Irish. The pronunciation guide makes the language very easy. The simple piano score supports a unison first verse, and the second with a flowing descant. Delightful folk song especially suitable for very young voices. YouTube
Johnnie Cope
Trad. Scottish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress CP 1559.
This incredibly energetic arrangement would be a thrilling conclusion to any concert. Cope was a leader of the British troops and the battle that is described was a decisive victory for the Jacobites. Fl, ob, vl, db, percussion parts available from composer. See score & listen YouTube
Jug o’ Punch
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, TTBB, penny whistle & piano
One of the great Irish drinking songs made famous by the Chieftains, full of vigour and good humour. Now available directly from the composer; please send an email to request a perusal copy. YouTube
The Leaving of Liverpool
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-48177-4
Setting this Celtic folk song in a slow and majestic style, Mark underscores the anguish and uncertainty of the lovers who must say goodbye. The final outburst is full of heartbreak and will be a passionate and emotional moment for your choir. See score & listen YouTube
Leezie Lindsay
Trad. Scottish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress CP1558
A highland Laird courts the beautiful Leezie Lindsay in Edinburgh. He wins her heart and take her to the highlands where she becomes lady of a great castle. A beautiful tune about this wonderful romance! Fl, ob, vl, db, & piano version available from composer. See score & listen YouTube
Mary Ann
TTBB and piano, Boosey & Hawkes 48019915
One of the most beautiful of all Maritime love songs masterfully set for older teens or adult voices. Simple canonic writing and warm harmonies supported by an evocative rolling piano accompanist build to the final verse. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
new release 2021 Maybe
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971
TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978
The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations. Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace. Peace will come, peace will come; peace will come in time. All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time. The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune. See score & hear
The Parting Glass
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473427
A hauntingly beautiful setting of this poignant Irish folk song of departure reminiscent of “The Turtle Dove” by Vaughan Williams. Graceful contrapuntal lines and warm harmonies underscore the bittersweet sentiment of the text. YouTube
Red is the Rose
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47979-5
This anonymous Irish text is set to the beautiful Scottish melody for Loch Lomond. With a piano part depicting the flowing river, passages featuring men’s and then women’s voices, and a middle a cappella section, this is a concert setting worthy of the best choirs. See score & listen YouTube
new release 2022 Red-Winged Blackbird
David Francey arr. M. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music
SATB & piano CP2082
TBB & piano CP2084
SSA & piano CP2083
One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird as the harbinger of spring. This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs. See score & listen
new release 2021 Seven Joys of Mary
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, optional instruments Cypress Choral Music CP1918
A creative, new arrangement of this beloved Irish carol uses the beautiful tune ‘Kingsfold’. An optional instrumentation of flute, oboe, violin and double bass is available. See score & listen Youtube
new release 2021 Skippers & Mates
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, TBB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music CP2007
or SATB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music CP2006
This rollicking sea shanty is by Robbie Smith, beloved Nova Scotia singer and songwriter. This high energy, boisterous and toe-tappin’ ode to sailors builds to a an exciting conclusion complete with body percussion. See score and listen
Sparrow
SATB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1610
SSA & piano, violin or flute, CP 1607
TTBB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1890
This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe. The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube
The Spinning Wheel
Trad. Irish, arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, ECS Publishing ECS 6416
“Merrily, cheerily, noiselessly whirring”–this delightful Irish folksong tells the story of a young maiden spinning under the supervision of her grandmother. The sounds heard at the window are that of the young girl’s lover come to steal a kiss without her grandmother knowing. An inventive piano part highlights the humour of the story. YouTube Listen
Taladh Chriosda
Trad. Gaelic, SSA, piano & violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48019991
SATB, piano & violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024795
This beautiful Gaelic carol, known as the ‘Christ-Child’s Lullaby’, comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the Mixolydian mode, has a haunting medieval quality. The gently swaying rhythm captures Mary’s gentle rocking of the Christ-Child in her arms. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano duet version available from the composer. Gaelic Pronunciation Guide See score & listen YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47771-5
A rousing and humorous rendition of one of Canada’s best-loved sea shanties from Newfoundland is based on the traditional English shanty, ‘Spanish Ladies’. Suitable for teen and adult male ensembles, this was written for the Cantabile Young Men. A great concert finale. See score & listen Listen YouTube
The Wild Rover
Trad. Celtic arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48022979
Once again, Mark Sirett has captured the spirit of a text and assigned it to the best possible voicing. The Wild Rover was and still is a popular “pub” song. It has also become a popular song for football (soccer) fans in Britain to sing at a game. Mark’s arrangement is lively and robust. With its repeated chorus, it will be easy to learn and fun to sing. Fl, ob, vl, db, percussion parts available from composer. See score & listen YouTube
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
Trad. Scottish arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, Alliance Music AMP 0391
A stirring arrangement of this great Scottish folk song of farewell. Each verse features different sections of the choir. The final verse is an outpouring of emotion; and thrilling conclusion with a dazzling piano part that evokes the sound of the highland drums and pipes. This has been featured at Unisong on Canada Day at the National Arts Centre. Two instrumentations available from the composer: a) Full orchestra version b) fl, ob, vl, db, percussion. See score & listen YouTube
The Wren Song
Trad. Irish arr. Sirett, TBB, bodhrán & body percussion
A high-spirited ‘St. Stephen’s Day’ carol is about the capturing of the wren to bring good luck. This humorous number is available directly from the composer; please send an email to request a perusal copy. YouTube