Sheebeg, Sheemore (Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór)

⭐ Easy 🌍 Ireland ♫ Air 📅Week commencing 19/10/26

📖 View notation on The Session.org

Sheebeg Sheemore, a beautiful Irish air written by the blind Irish harper Turlough O’Carolan, dating from around the turn of the 18th century. Said to be his first composition, it was written for a patron in County Leitrim. The title translates as “Little Fairy Hill, Big Fairy Hill”, referring to two ancient burial mounds associated in legend with rival groups of fairies, whose great battle is said to have inspired the tune. Although to my ears, it sounds rather more like a lament for the poor fairies than a battle!

Learn the Tune

Learn the melody phrase by phrase by ear.

Improve the Tune

Improve general musicianship and add rhythm, lift and ornamentation.

Play the session

Enjoy this week's session featuring Sheebeg, Sheemore