Three Boatmen's Songs

Anything that comes under the generic label of "folk music" is liable to have a strong and enjoyable melody and this lovely little collection doesn't disappoint. Loch Tay, a gentle ballad, combines an almost choral style of writing (with a countermelody that's fun to play) with some light arpeggios that allows Guitar Three to produce a commanding and resonant tune an octave below. The arranger has kept sufficient verses to make the piece long enough to satisfy, and has sufficient variety in the arrangement that everyone will enjoy the piece. Loch Lomond, the most famous of the three is both the most satisfying and the disappointing. Confident writing in the first verse ends with a superb modulation from C to D and the migration of the tune from top to bottom part. Over the tune sit some slow two-note chords, and ifs these where I felt some bare chords could easily have been turned into triads without spoiling any of the lines - it just seemed a little too bare for my palette. The modulation back to C is handled with confidence and the final verse has a more majestic and forward paced harmony with a lovely little ending. Loch Duich is easier to play than it is to say - a gentle piece in 6/8 with some little rhythmic patterns that are articulated in different ways in different parts of the piece. Unfamiliar as this piece will be for many, it has a definite Scottish feel that will endear it to audiences. Solid arranging means that a good sound will come from players as inexperienced as Grade Two, and there is plenty of interest in all three parts - a welcome feature of music for beginners as there is no "favourite line" to argue over! With nothing more demanding than the second position this is fun to play, and the generous dynamic markings ensure that each piece is full of variety. As expected from this publisher, the parts are clear and free of awkward page turns. Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)