Program Notes
Irish Jig and Aire is a fusion of two well-known folk songs from Ireland: The Irish Washerwoman and
Sheebeg and Sheemore. The first tune is well-recognized, and has been recorded by multiple soloists and
groups. The second melody was composed by Turlough O'Carolan, a blind harpist noted for his great
musical skills. Sheebeg and Sheemore was said to be the first tune he ever composed. The piece was
inspired by a local legend of a rivalry between fairy queens. According to the legend, a war ensued,
fought on the hills of Sheebeg and Sheemore, and the fighting was so extreme that it rivaled the Trojan
War. A truce was eventually called, and today, tourists can still visit these legendary plains.
This arrangement is based on the contrasting nature of the two melodies. The first is energetic and
robust, and the second lyrical and somber. The opening low strings should sound like bagpipes, heavily
accented and bold. When the melody changes, it is introduced by a soloist while the accompanying
textures become more simple and transparent. The transition back to the The Irish Washerwoman
should start quietly, but grow back into the romp it was before.
About the Arranger
Ben Snoek is a young composer, conductor, and bassist attending West Ottawa Public Schools. Ben was
born in South Korea, then was adopted into his current home in Holland, Michigan. As a composer, Ben
has written over fifty compositions for various ensembles, with a focus on string orchestra literature. He
currently plays bass in his school's orchestra and chamber orchestra, and is preparing to continue
studying music in the future.
