The album features Ó Riada’s final concert recording from March 1971. Further previously unreleased tracks were recorded in May 1971, just five months before his untimely death at the age of 40, while others date from 1966.

On this album, Ó Riada weaves a magic spell with his own arrangements of great Irish airs played on piano and harpsichord.

A 12-page booklet gives background notes to all tracks.

In an album which contains his personal favourites, Ó Riada plays a selection great airs, including Do Bhí Bean Uasal, Carraig Donn and Sliabh na mBan, as well as several airs which Ó Riada himself first introduced to Irish audiences, such as Aisling Gheal, Port na bPúcaí and Cois an Ghaorthaigh. The album also contains a stirring sequence of patriotic tunes, while on a bonus track Ó Riada relates an episode from Macroom’s history.

This remarkable album is an important contribution to the canon of recorded works of Seán Ó Riada who played a major role in the popularisation of Irish music in the twentieth century. Through his film scores Mise Éire and Saoirse? and recordings with his group Ceoltóirí Chualann, Seán Ó Riada re-ignited the spirit of the nation.

TRACKLIST

1. Do Bhí Bean Uasal

2. Carraig Donn

3. An Chúilfhionn

4. An Buachaill Caol Dubh

5. Port na bPúcaí

6. Aisling Gheal

7. Codlaigí Éiníní

8. The Three Sea Captains

9. The Garden of Daisies

10. Limerick's Lamentation/Marbhna Luimnigh

11. Cois an Ghaorthaigh

12. Bean an Fhia Rua

13. The Collier's Reel

14. Cath Chéim an Fhia

15. Cáit Ní Dhuibhir

16. Óró 'sé do Bheatha Abhaile

17. Maidin Luan Cincíse

18. The Rights of Man

19. Príosún Chluain Meala

20. An tSeanbhean Bhocht

21. An Droimfhionn Donn Dílis

22. Ó'Bhean a' Tí, Cén Bhuairt Sin Ort?

23. Sliabh na mBan

24. M'Uilleagán Dubh Ó

25. 'Carthaigh na gCeann' (seanchas)