Wendy Songe - "King of the Fairies" on Mountain Dulcimer

A beautiful morning with nature, inspires Wendy Songe's practice time on the Mountain Dulcimer. Wendy Songe plays "King of the Fairies", with the divine accompaniment of a refreshing wind and the beauty of bird song.

[@bornflex2975]

Thanks for keeping this beautiful instrument alive.

[@johnpfaff1419]

I'm a guitarist and found this while researching dulcimers out of curiosity. This looks ridiculously difficult and my comprehension of notation possibilities on a fretboard just melted.

[@kvltizt]

On the contrary, it is hard to make a dulcimer sound bad my man. You should try!

[@kevinmarrett9532]

Dulcimer is weird. It’s intended to make simple songs even simpler, and it succeeds, specifically playing in major keys. It was created by Appalachians, for Appalachian music. But what that also means is that if you see someone playing something intricate and complex on one, they had to work twice as hard to get past the natural plateau of the inherent limitations of the instrument itself.

[@Wkyliving]

I play guitar but I'm not very good at all. I picked up a dulcimer and within 5 minutes I was making it sound decent.

[@gwenyffyr]

Me too!

[@wonkeyninja1642]

I could listen to dulcimer over and over. Wish more people played it

[@colleenh7809]

+Wonkey Ninja Lots and lots of people play it. I do :) You just have to know where to look! :D

[@matutum50]

go to Branson Missouri

[@riskit_4_thebiscuit]

Visit Warren May in Berea, KY (about 40 minutes from Lexington) if you're ever in the area. He's been making dulcimers for over 40 years, and could give you a great number of pointers to get started playing for yourself. His instruments are also pretty affordable (about $350 for a basic poplar dulcimer). I worked for him for a while, and he's a great guy. A former landlord of mine in Berea, Mr. Truman Fields, sometimes tells people that the three most friendly people in Berea are Silas House, Truman Fields, and Warren May, in that order. Of course, he tells them this before they know his name, so its a shock for them to find out who told them he was number 2 most friendly!

[@greeneking77]

Are these more for playing solo or does it get along with fiddle and guitar? Does it have enough volume

[@riskit_4_thebiscuit]

greeneking77 While they certainly *can* be played solo (and traditionally were, as they would be the only instrument in a household), they can blend well with other instruments too. They can be a bit on the quiet side, but if you're worried about that, you can just get a bigger bodied one. The ones I made with Warren May were mostly slightly bigger bodied, giving them a fuller sound, and the walnut ones had a more guitar like timbre.

[@kvltizt]

I had a friend lend me her mountain dulcimer a week or so ago because I play so much guitar. I'm hooked.

[@sksmith1956]

Beautiful expressive performance on a challenging tune. Well done!

[@VINCENTDARKLY]

Lets see, redhead playing an odd instrument in a emerald green field. Only thing that would make this more Irish is some Muttonchop drunk stammer dancing while singing a shanty. I like it.

[@michaels728]

This is an old instrument originating in England, Scotland and Ireland and was brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachia Mountains. It is also a promient instrument in Blues, Cajun, and other folk and Irish music.

[@MrMusicguyma]

While the tunes (like this one) are often Celtic, the instrument itself is more likely from the Pennsylvania Dutch and German immigrants drifting down the Appalachians. Great, in any case.

[@newswrthy]

The Instrument, Is an Appalachian mountain dulcimer originating from the Mountains of south western Virginia. It was Irish and Scottish immigrants who began using it to play songs from their homeland. This is the one truly American instrument.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Although the lap dulcimer found a home among settlers, early on in Appalachia, it did not originate in the USA. I remember seeing a very similar instrument called a langeleik on a LP jacket of traditional Icelandic music. But the lap dulcimer was, as far we can tell, never played in Ireland, England or Scotland, despite fitting the modal folk music from those countries (and any other country you can name). So, it came from somewhere else. Wikipedia has some interesting research on the origins, and why it was adopted by some many "home" musicians in the mountains. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_dulcimer In any case, it fits traditional Appalachian music superbly well. Another reason for this is, most of the old modal songs the settlers brought with them were originally sung unaccompanied in the old country, but the droning dulcimer fit them far better than the later banjo and guitar. I have played all three for decades. Cheers.

[@jameshenrymurphy]

What a nasty man.

[@bonissenf-rentnergoesyoutu7558]

Einfach soooo schön! Love it!

[@Tom_Klein]

Wow! I wish I could play like that! I have a mountain dulcimer or two, but haven't dedicated the time, or haven't found a proper way of progression, to begin learning without developing bad habits! Really enjoy your music! Thank you! -Tom

[@debihinkle6100]

check out Brett ridgeway tutorials on you tube... they helped me

[@JamieBlaine]

Beautiful!!!

[@hotdealer63]

You play beautifully Wendy, and your selection "Kings of the Fairies" was very nice.

[@ontimeformyparty7116]

Most beautiful thanks!!!

[@laela1247]

lovely...takes me to nature.....

[@seeamerica1]

Love the sound & the birds singing along! Thanks

[@OldWaysGardeningandPrepping]

Truly beautiful and thank you for sharing this with us. 🍀

[@marylandj3228]

Beautiful performance. I'm so glad I found this video! ☺️💓

[@1951kvk]

Very beautiful, thank you.

[@michaelcraig9449]

This is so great.

[@TheBluewolfen]

You play so beautifully! I really enjoyed it! I could almost visualize fairies dancing! Great job!

[@billlacasse9414]

Beautifully done. That's one of my favorites to play on fiddle. You capture the spirit of such music wonderfully.

[@BrianBohlman]

Wendy, you are an amazing dulcimer player!! So glad to have subscribed to your channel.

[@wittvonwitt4403]

Lovely. I love that melody.

[@roneurostar]

Hi, I like mountains, nature, mythical fairy tales and songs. I just heard a bird sing at abt 2am today outside my window and I wondered if its a bird or a fairy :). I went to youtube and was viewing bird's like robin/nightingale sounds. I happen to type in youtube for "birds and fairies" related video and accidentally viewed Wendy's * Loch Lomond & King of the Fairies * and I loved the music. Also this is the first time I know of the Dulcimer and wow I liked it at first sight with Wendy's music. FIVE stars to Wendy's enchanting music ! Warm Regards, R

[@DouglasRoss1]

Thank you Wendy! Very nice!

[@kennethraywest322]

Very nice! Love it🙂

[@marcmccook9154]

so fair and softly a songe to the ear to be heard

[@madeleine8977]

Lovely, Wendy. Thank you.

[@michaels728]

Wonderful thank you my dad used to play one when I was younger and now he's gone. And it brings back memories of when he used to play.

[@michaels728]

@Terry Eugene

[@nevazegrati5543]

You play so beautifully! And I loved that song!🌳🧚💛🎵🐦 I'm gonna check out another one of your videos now!

[@dondoughty488]

Thank you. That was beautiful.

[@stevedavis5217]

Epic and triumphant! Gives me chills, great job and thank you!

[@aaronflinner6431]

That was wonderful.

[@jcortese3300]

Lovely -- beautiful playing and piece!

[@dogmax1]

Wonderful, what a beautiful sound

[@drp2200]

Hello Wendy, I am so glad I got to take your class today at Gebhard Woods festival. You made a not fun subject, fun! I wish I could have spoken to you in person. Love your music!

[@TheTonyEd]

Thank you! Very well done! Inspiring!

[@thomassnyder2322]

Beautiful! Thank you so very much.

[@nathanielball365]

That was so beautifully played!!! And you played that the traditional style which is VERY DIFFICULT!!! Nothing like watching and listening to a beautiful woman playing a beautiful song on a beautiful instrument!! Loved it!!! Wish there were more lady musicians out there like you! You got my sub for sure!!

[@LozzyLust]

Wonderful, thank you. ♥

[@JimmyQuango]

Very special but very cool!!! Love it Wendy! Greetings from Hamburg, Jimmy

[@socialdef3]

Beautiful changes, takes you to another place!

[@MrRoccoMarchegiano]

Gorgeous! Thanks!

[@ppierquet1]

Beautiful! Just a wonderful tune; love it! :-)

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

Thank you Kindly for sharing your beautiful music. much respect

[@luizfernandocharbel9343]

Loveble....I dont know, brought to me ths Vickings times!!! sorry my english...but you undesrtood! Im a Braaazilian man!!!

[@amalieekeland4006]

Beautiful! Thank u for this beautiful moment.

[@wanketta]

Breathtaking!

[@adriaticseaeyes]

Absolutely beautiful work 🤍

[@jerrybriardy]

Thank you for posting this. This a wonderful video. You play beautifully!

[@stephenmorgan99]

lovely sound very distinctive

[@franceshall6661]

So very impressive. Inspires me to set outside with my mountain dulcimer to play.

[@johncarrick9611]

Brilliant. Very well done! Thank you.

[@ronhernandez8916]

Very beautiful music I could listen to u forever

[@halvardlundnorway]

I have never known there was a mountain Dulcimer. How fascinating! I hope I will be able to play and learn Dulcimer one time in my life. Greetings from a pianist.

[@librandy77]

This is so lovely..🪕🪕🪕😎

[@Coyotlify]

very nice, Wendy - love the drone effect

[@JeanJoshJuliet]

Nice and beautiful.

[@HallowedRift]

Amazing ! Beautiful!

[@thomasp.griggs4490]

Nicely arranged and fantastic technique.

[@ruselhays6768]

This is amazing! I am going to build one in the near future but it will be years before i can play like that.

[@tdbsnr]

Lovely, just lovely.

[@beardedwarrior7023]

Absolutely loved this!

[@BillOtinger]

Very Pretty Very Unique Sound etc

[@Archiveofobscurity]

Magnificent! I am so learning to play this now =)

[@robiniowoodstonewomenwitch5467]

~Very Cool Sound's Amazing~

[@nacholibre1962]

I just got a used one and have re-strung it and am now learning to play it. It will be a loooong road!

[@jameschase2875]

This is beautiful!

[@dominiquedv]

Beautiful instrument. You play awesome!

[@dulcibard]

Beautifully played!

[@sandramorey2529]

The Dulcimer is known as the only truly American instrument. It's ancestor is from Northern europe. Nothing more beautiful.

[@dannytourigny9403]

I just recently discovered the Hurdy Gurdy and now this! The Dulcimer! :) I'm pretty happy about it! :)

[@AquaBerryblue]

Beautiful

[@khalidmehmood004]

AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE . BRAVO WITH * * * * * *

[@TheGinabowman2005]

Beautiful!

[@hollyphelan8578]

Beautiful, Wendy, you are some woman!

[@garykgifford]

very nice,,, you have a real talent.... great sound,

[@marcio7422131]

muito talento fiquei maravilhado parabéns lindo instrumento

[@StewieGriffin505]

Nice tune and red hair! Both are very pretty.

[@pkrones]

Thank you!

[@Free_Snooki]

I wonder if she ever played the guzheng. She'd do so well on it. After hearing this, I want a Shamrock Shake. _💚🐰🎼_

[@swamperdog4558]

Sounds beautiful! Thank you for answering the question, "can i play Irish/Scottish/Celtic music on my dulcimer?" Looking forward to trying it as soon as my strings arrive. I bought an '80s Cripple Creek Dulcimer off of marketplace the other day and I'm fixing it up to play

[@cotyhodges4900]

Could u do another video of the same song but an over look of where ur fingers hit the cords my gf plays one and I'm starting.I just love how u played this song.

[@Melvorgazh]

LOve you!❤️ Your Music in awesome too.Hope tou comw to Belgium some day.😘🍀🇧🇪Sláinte agat a stór!X

[@PatriziaPrudenzi]

Wonderful ❤

[@williamoverton7265]

So very soothing.

[@bigmonsdangolfuzzjamboree7086]

Enchanting.

[@BobWarnerBarn]

Nice!......................................................

[@rastuslong]

What more could you ask for ? A mountain beauty playing beautiful mountain music.

[@workwithnature]

Really great :)

[@Melvorgazh]

❤️ at first sight 💔 Flaming red hair, charming freckles and sweet green gaze. And a lovely musical sensibility. I think you play the guitar too @Wendy Songe ? Do you play flatpicking reels or jigs? Or that hornpipe King of The Fairies? Kindest Regards and thoughts from An Bheilg, Belgium, Brussels. I play the giotár too, both backing and flatpicking, only 1 tune in fingerstyle, the 1st I learnt 😛 Green Sleeves. Lol Sláinte X 🌸

[@Melvorgazh]

Any chance of touring in Europe some day, Wendy? Lovely playing. Do you also play the flat picking melody on the guitar or just the backing? Sláinte agat! ;) @Wendy Songe

[@SF-kx9up]

Love this!

[@coltonsimpson2015]

Beautiful RED hair

[@debbieberry4150]

Beautiful job!!! Incredible. I'm almost 70, and love to play my dulcimer. Unfortunately, the tendon in my arm gets painful. I see that you have a wrist rest. It may really help me to have one. Would you mind sharing where you purchased it? Thank you so much!

[@JoeGarchar1960]

Awesome! I just wish that Sandy Denny was still around to lend vocals. That would be a real treat. Cheers!!!

[@bigmonsdangolfuzzjamboree7086]

it certainly would. Love her.

[@Treasureintheland]

Wow Wendy! I love this :)

[@leslietylersmith430]

Beautiful!💗

[@niamhoconnor5117]

Liked it ! ...It's like a slightly '' reggae' ' version of the traditional Irish tune...

[@bsaneil]

Fantastic!

[@FromThePurpleHouse]

This is lovely!

[@MadRushMusic]

Beautifully done!