Ned of the Hill (Air)
Eamonn A Chnoic (Ned of the Hill) is a very old air. The song in Irish
originally told the story of Edmund Ryan of Tipperary. After the disastrous
Treaty of Limerick of 1691, Ryan choose not to emigrate to France during the
"Flight of the Wild Geese", but remain in Ireland conducting what would today
be called a guerilla campaign. He was eventually betrayed and murdered. Some
stories have it that the price on his head had been lifted weeks before his
death.
As an air in the old style, Eamonn A Chnoic should be played very expressivly.
While it is notated above in 3/4 time, it is actually played "rubato". I
strongly suggest that any who wish to perform this tune first find a recording
or a performer who has this in thier repetoire. If you can find a piper who
plays this, all the better!
Note: While this sheet music is provided for reference and convenience, I
would take it as a personal favour if you would find a local musician
to teach it to you or a local session where you could hear it played. This
will enable you to learn the phrasing and ornamentation for your instrument
which generally is not notated here. The best way to learn Irish traditional
music is by ear, by listening to and/or learning from a
musician experienced in the genre. At the very least, you will want to
memorize the tune so that this
page would be superfluous. This version is a version that I played at the time
I created this page; it may not be the same as the version I currently play,
and it may not be the same as the version with which you are familiar. Go
raibh maith agat; Thanks!
Dennis' Grab Bag of Tunes