round Ireland with a flute
the story behind the book...
Gareth McLearnon has known his mentor, friend, and flute-playing hero Sir James Galway since the age of 11, when he first played for Sir James in a masterclass in their native Northern Ireland. Both Gareth and Sir James attended the 39th Old Boys' Flute Band in their formative years, (though 50 years apart) in Belfast's Donegall Pass, under the watchful eye of Billy Dunwoody.
In honour of Sir James' 65th birthday in December 2004, Gareth arranged the Belfast Hornpipe in recognition of what Jimmy's playing has meant to him throughout his life. This is because the Belfast Hornpipe was the very first piece Gareth ever learned to play on ANY instrument, (penny-whislte in this case) and he learnt it by ear, and later by heart, from listening to his dad's copy of Jimmy's LP Songs for Annie.
Unknown to Gareth at the time – Sir James then played this birthday present to a TV audience of millions on Live at Lincoln Center a few weeks later. This broadcast led to an invitation from Theodore Presser Company to create a collection of similar arrangements, leading to this book.
From Theodore Presser's site:
"A charming collection of seven arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and medleys for flute and piano, expertly arranged by esteemed Irish flutist Gareth McLearnon. 'Round Ireland with a Flute includes popular favorites like "Danny Boy," "Down by the Salley Gardens," and "Belfast Hornpipe." With a variety of styles and tempos from which to choose, intermediate and advanced players will heartily enjoy this playable, yet impressive musical tour of Ireland for the flute."
