?Calum Sgaire?

A Scottish Air
for Mountain Dulcimer
in the Ionian Mode
“Calum Sgaire”
Article & Arrangement by Dan Evans
About “Calum Sgaire”
I learned this hauntingly beautiful air from the playing of one of my favourite
traditional groups: The Bothy Band. Although the Bothy Band came from Ireland and
played mostly Irish music, this particular tune appears to emanate from the Hebrides
in Scotland.
The song tells the story of a fisherman on the Hebridean Isle of Lewis whose true
love, Mairead, is married to a local farmer because her parents disapproved of Calum.
When Mairead died giving birth to her first child (by the farmer), Calum was so
distraught he left the place forever. The Bothy Band’s recording of this is a-cappella,
full of rich vocal harmonies – so my challenge was to make the tune work on just
three strings …
About This Arrangement
The melody is played on the first string with drones and harmony notes on the middle
and bass. In the A part only drones are used with harmony notes, and triad chords
are introduced in the B part. The striking 5-4-5 chord at the beginning of measure 14
contrasts sharply with the pretty harmonies in the preceding measures, adding depth
to the piece. The final 1-0-3 chord is so full of ambiguity, it cries out, in the hope of
resolution, for the piece to be played again and again.
Playing the Piece
In the sprit of an air, I play “Calum Sgaire” quite freely and flowingly, rather than
following too strict a rhythm. Obviously, you are welcome to finger the piece however
it feels comfortable for you. Here is how I finger it: on my right hand, I use my thumb
to pluck the 1 st string, my index finger on the middle string and my middle finger on
the 3 rd /bass string.
When all three strings are played together, I “spread” these triad chords slightly,
which de-emphasizes the rhythm and adds to the flow of the piece. Spreading the
chords means plucking the strings in a fast sequence, rather than all at exactly the
same time. I do this with my fingers, but it can also be done with a pick.

About the Author
Dan Evans
My wife, Mary and I live in England in a small market-town called Olney, which is
currently celebrating the bi-centenary of the death of Cowper and Newton (authors of
‘Amazing Grace’).
I started playing mountain dulcimer over 30 years ago and was originally inspired by
the great English dulcimer player, Roger Nicholson. Like Roger, I play dichromatic
dulcimers (without any ‘extra’ frets) and almost exclusively finger-style. Over the
years I have developed two main styles of playing the dulcimer: ‘song
accompaniments’ and “airs,” both of which I play in the Ionian mode (DAA tuning).
“Calum Sgair” is a good example of my “airs” style of playing. I particularly like the
“open” chords created when a harmony note and a drone are combined. I feel they
bring out the delicacy of the dulcimer really well.
I have been privileged to visit the USA on a number of occasions, to teach and
perform at dulcimer festivals. I am proud to have met many of the leading exponents
on the mountain dulcimer, including the late David Schnaufer, who was an inspiration
and whom I will fondly remember.
Recordings
I have released three CDs of my dulcimer and guitar music on my own record label,
DanSing Music:
“Guardian Spirit” (DSM3) ~ released in 1993

“Spirit Dancing” (DSM4) ~ released in 1997
“Autumn Dance” (DSM5) ~ released in 2002
You can learn more about my music and my recordings on my website:
www.danevans-music.com