Product Description
Long before receiving international recognition when it served as the location for the finale of Dan Browns The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel was recognized as one of the finest examples of carved stone in the world. Rosslyn was founded as a Catholic church in the mid-fifteenth century by William Sinclair (St. Clair), grandson of Henry Sinclair I, the first Earl of Orkney. A curious legend began that when a descendant of the Prince of Orkney dies Rosslyn Chapel appears as if on fire. This phenomenon was described with lyrical detail in Sir Walter Scotts epic poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel.
In 1745 (known in Scottish history as simply "The 45") the Scottish Highland Jacobite clans banded together behind Prince Charles Edward Stuart in an attempt to restore his father, deposed King James II, to the English throne. "Bonnie Prince Charlie," as he was known, won some key battles but the uprising came to a bloody conclusion on April 16, 1746 at Culloden Battlefield where the English wiped out The Jacobites. The Sinclairs, led by James Sinclair of Rosslyn, perhaps sensing the inevitable, allied with the English.
The song is a traditional sounding, Celtic folk song and should be performed in a moderate "2." Singers are encouraged to employ a Scottish accent though it is not essential; telling the story is the key.
Jay Jordan holds a B.A. from San Jose State University and an M.A . from San Francisco State University, both in Music Education. He has been the music director at Serra High School in San Mateo, CA since 1977 where he conducts the Symphonic Band, Mens Chorus and the Serra Jazz Band. Jordan was named the San Mateo County Arts Educator of the Year for Music in 2011. He is an experienced arranger, composer and songwriter, writing in a wide variety of genres and styles. Jordan is also an active free-lance trumpet and guitar player in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.