Lament for Cu Chulainn; The Hero

Caoineadh Cu Chulainn by Bill Whelan
The Hero by Linda Relph
Used by permission.
Arranged by Thomas Wilson
Please buy my music!
www.amazon.com...
www.whistlingbadger.com

[@Jesus_Is_Lord7]

I play guitar and ukulele, iv always wanted a tin whistle. When I was little I used to steal my dad's riverdance VHS and listen to this song over and over. You my friend pushed me to order my first tin whistle from Belfast. I hope I can play this song along with you one day. God bless you brother.

[@whistlingbadger]

Well, thank you for telling me that. Good luck with your whistle adventure. Among other things, it's a lot more portable than the guitar or the uke. Look me up next time you're in Wyoming. :)

[@Kobzar3374]

Beautiful! I think Cu Chulainn will have been delighted listening to this tune from the island of the apples… Thank you for sharing, keep up the good work, and best wishes from Spain!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you very much! I played this tune as a tribute to my mother, who was a gentle person but could have matched Cu Chulainn or anyone else on pure courage. Best wishes from Wyoming. :)

[@Kobzar3374]

@@whistlingbadger Great! I am sure that your mother will be very pleased and proud. Cheers!

[@acgifford18]

wow.. Chills. I love this. So well done. I just started playing... and I hope one day I am that good. I love this piece so much. Brought tears to my eyes it was so pretty..

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you so much! Good luck with your learning.

[@germansantos5232]

You just reactivated my Irish whistle goal.

[@whistlingbadger]

Go to it! Get yourself a copy of the Clarke Tin Whistle Book by Bill Ochs, and work you way through it. Also get lots of Irish trad music and listen, listen, listen. Good luck!

[@germansantos5232]

@@whistlingbadger thanks for the tip!

[@waynerollack1026]

So simple, so moving. Thank-you.

[@whistlingbadger]

You are most welcome. Thanks for your kind comment.

[@captainpixels]

Beautiful rendition of a beautiful song. Well done. Love the b&w mood theme for the background and the fireplace is a very nice touch.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! The fireplace wasn't just for mood--it was a very cold day. :)

[@johnregan3075]

Beautiful vibrato.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you!

[@ratchetosuillivan3659]

So beautiful. This is played at least 5 times a day in my home. Learning as I go by ear with my new long whistle. Thank you for this beautiful gift

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for listening, and good luck with your learning. What kind of whistle did you get?

[@pollyon]

@@whistlingbadger you play so magnificently

[@bonnirutherford5323]

This is stunning. Thank you for sharing this.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you kindly!

[@coxy2881]

Brilliantly done. Loved it. Thank you.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you very much!

[@tonysinnott3159]

Beautiful tune, beautifully played. Thank you

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you very much!

[@hburke575]

I love this piece. It is very soulful. Thanks for your beautiful music

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@keitharoo1962]

Touched my heart and my soul. Thank you for sharing!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for listening. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@martinbennett9578]

I Love this tune.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@cassiedycrain1333]

Nice job sounds great Mr willson

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks, Cassie! :)

[@jamessatterlee]

Very impressive! And beautiful tune. Thank you!

[@whistlingbadger]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for listening.

[@brettcasey4364]

Beautifuly done love that song

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you!

[@nexus.shadow]

is it possible to learn this song on the tin whistle and then progress to the uillean pipes?, i so want to learn to play it

[@whistlingbadger]

I don't play the uillean pipes, so I can't speak as an expert. But I do know that the uillean pipe fingerings are almost identical to the whistle, so the whistle is a good place to start. If you're new to the u pipes, this might not be the best tune to start on, though. I suspect you'd want something easier to begin with. Good luck!

[@padraichorgan]

Thats cool Bill..............

[@mannatuu]

really good rendition . thank you

[@whistlingbadger]

You're welcome! Thanks for listening.

[@MrDSNZ]

Absolutely terrific! D Spillane had me yearning to learn the uillean pipes, after playing this beautiful tune. I never thought of a whistle for the job. How can one obtain your transcription for this wonderful rendition? And do you have any recommends, brand wise, for pipes?

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for listening! Email me (my channel name at Gmail) and I'll send my transcription to you. I don't know anything about uillean pipes. But I could recommend some whistle brands if that's what you mean.

[@luke8324]

Gorgeous.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@shaynewheeler9249]

How was your day today

[@charubalagarrett9947]

What whistle are you playing on? is it a Clark? It's really beautiful. I hope to be able to play this piece someday. What whistles would you recommend?

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for the kind words! I am playing a dixon trad high d in this video. It's my all-time favorite whistle--highly recommended. But really, asking what whistle is best is a lot like asking what food is best: Ask 10 different players and you're likely to get 20 different answers! The number of brands has exploded the past 20 years or so and I haven't tried a tenth of them. The great thing about whistles is that most of us can afford to try out several before we settle on one. Can't say that for pianos, euphoniums, or pipe organs.

[@whistlingbadger]

That said, my personal favorite brands are Clarke, Hoover, Dixon, and Burke. Chris Wall is making some really nice sounding whistles that are extremely well-priced for what you get.

[@michaelmiller1551]

If I could ask, what key is that whistle in? I've wanted to learn this on the whistle for forever, but can't get it.

[@whistlingbadger]

This is a D whistle. If you read notes, I would be happy to share my transcription with you. Good luck.

[@michaelmiller1551]

@@whistlingbadger That would be fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@whistlingbadger]

@@michaelmiller1551 Email me (my channel name at Gmail) and I'll send it to you. Happy to help.

[@michaelmiller1551]

@@whistlingbadger Done. I read music, it will just be a matter of the fingering once my D Whistle that I ordered arrives. Thanks again!!

[@Sammy71ful]

Fantastic!! Really cool to hear this played on whistle rather than uilleann pipes - it's just as haunting and beautiful! The guitar accompaniment was great, and the addition of the jig at the end was a treat too! Thank you!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@OchAyeMackay]

I second this comment. It was lovely to hear this beautiful song on the whistle. You played it beautifully. And yes the jig was a pleasant lift. 👏

[@shaynewheeler9249]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@whistlingbadger]

@@shaynewheeler9249 ...but at least it has a happy ending?

[@joedee1863]

Marvelous .. Absolutely marvelous ! Eat your heart out Davey Spillane ha ha. 😁. Just jokin

[@whistlingbadger]

Not Davy Spillane level by a long shot, but I appreciate the favorable comparison! ha ha Thanks for listening.

[@amokreutz]

well done mate !!!!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you for listening and for your kind words.

[@baschieriluca]

Bravissimo .

[@whistlingbadger]

Grazie!

[@mynwmuse]

What is this instrument?

[@whistlingbadger]

D penny whistle (also known as tin whistle or just whistle; also known by other, less polite names in certain circles) and guitar.

[@mynwmuse]

@@whistlingbadger the first name is what I was looking for :-) Beautiful!

[@whistlingbadger]

@@mynwmuse Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. T

[@TheMtnmamma]

How long have you been playing ? you’re really good!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I began playing in the late 90s, and started getting semi-serious about it around ten years ago.

[@TheMtnmamma]

Well that gives me hope , if I live 10 more years maybe I will be 1/2 as good as you . Yes sure love listening to good players tho

[@whistlingbadger]

@@TheMtnmamma Well, thank you for the kind words. I still have a lot to learn but I'm on my way! If you love to listen, you're already partway there: Listening is at least 50% of learning Irish music. Probably more. Check out Joanie Madden, Micho Russell, Sean Potts, Brian Finnegan, so many others. I also recommend the Clarke Tin Whistle Book by Bill Ochs--it can really help you understand what you're hearing. Good luck!

[@MonaLisa-lu8zi]

Do you have the sheet music for this? Well done... Played beautifully.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I mostly figured it out by ear, but I believe you can find the sheet music on thesession.org.

[@anthonygeden7862]

Wasn't going to bother...thought I'd stay awhile.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for stopping by. Care for a cup of tea?

[@nycoshouse]

did you tried on a low D whistle ?

[@whistlingbadger]

I have! I prefer this set on the high d, but I do play a low d (a Burke Viper) quite a bit. Check out my other videos if you want to hear it. It's a great whistle and I am scarcely worthy of it. :)

[@WildNigel]

Whistle is amazing. Holds emotion like the pipes. Guitar is good but the combo really doesn't work. Dunno if it's a mic latency issue or just the recording software and no hate. Just being honest, love the individuals and ya got a new follower!

[@WildNigel]

To edit, At minute five the combo is amazing and the timing is pretty solid. Love the tam, how many instruments do ya play? The end bit was really impressive!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm better at whistle than guitar. 😁

[@irelandserverferrersegura4021]

Im practising tin wishtle 👍

[@whistlingbadger]

Excellent! Good luck!

[@angierichardson6239]

This is beautiful music, done beautifully.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you, Angie.

[@benjaminrapp7418]

I saw this posted on TFF. Haunting and absolutely beautiful, my friend.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you very much, Benjamin. You meet the nicest people on the fish forum!

[@sveerdlov1917]

My best friend of a ruckus 42 years died today and I am grateful to find you, this damned awful day.

[@whistlingbadger]

Sorry for your loss, Jim. God bless you as you find your way. Hang in there.

[@shaynewheeler9249]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@kennethgillespie4468]

You play the tune extremely well on the high D. I have been playing it also, but not as good as you. I am starting to play the low D also, but awkwardly, I find the GHB easier, but I learned it first. Again and well done..

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you, Kenneth. Wow, the whistle harder than the GHB? ha ha That's one I've never heard. I guess it's all what you're used to. Low D is a very awkward instrument. I do OK on it, but I have not begun to approach Davy Spillane level yet.

[@pianoboogieman7290]

My favourite high whistle version of this beautiful air.Have loved the tune ever since I heard Davy Spillane play it on the pipes in the original Riverdance nearly thirty years ago now and you do it justice.Tastefully accompanied also.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! Spillane is at a different level. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@shaynewheeler9249]

Irish cream

[@1celloheaven]

Quite the most beautiful arrangement and playing I have heard for a long time. Thank you to all players.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@1celloheaven]

@@whistlingbadger Certainly did thank you. Over the years I've travelled to Argyll and Bute and have heard Lament for Cu Chulainn played on the pipes. It wasn't long before I transposed the piece to my cello...by ear so perhaps not exact. I walk my dog often across the fields and recently bought a 'D' tin whistle with a view to bothering the birds in the trees. I was delighted to find your arrangement which has given me direction. 15 year old Harry the english bull terrier is now deaf as a post so he will be a perfect audience. Thanks again Thomas. Jay

[@whistlingbadger]

@@1celloheaven Sounds like the perfect practicing scenario! ha ha ha Enjoy.

[@YannsKitchenUK]

That was really beautiful man. Is there anywhere I can buy the MP3 for that ? Sincerely - Echo

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I posted a link in the description.

[@ragnarl9130]

Absolutely fantastic, I'm mezmorised

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheMtnmamma]

Beautiful

[@johnhenstock9668]

Very good and meaningful.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@fletcherhutchesonjr8333]

Thank you all! What a lovely celebration and tribute!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you for listening.

[@Animanarchy]

This is wonderful.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you.

[@fatheroblivion45]

Beautifully played.

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you kindly! I just checked out your channel, and found a few new tunes I might have to learn. Great playing, sir!

[@janineb82]

This is beautiful

[@whistlingbadger]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@robertkulbeth6883]

Gorgeous!

[@whistlingbadger]

Thanks for listening!