An Irish Legend - Joseph Eidson

An Irish Legend uses the traditional Irish folk song The Minstrel Boy as the melodic material in this piece. The inspirational and emotional lyrics portray the loss of several friends in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen. One of the lasting messages of this song is freedom from slavery and tyranny - a powerful message that has touched many people fighting for their country. The sense of longing, loss, and triumph found in the lyrics is reflected in the somber and lyrical style of this setting for concert band.