Si Bheag Si Mhor

June 2021

This pretty folk tune from Ireland is attributed to the blind harpist and singer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738). The title is Irish Gaelic and means ‘Small fairy mound, Big fairy mound’.

It is a beautiful tune and even at full speed should maintain a simple and leisurely tempo, so it lends itself well to the Slow Session.

The tune itself is comprised of two parts with each half being repeated. The melody flows smoothly throughout with the slightly faster bars of the tune rising or falling largely as scales - this makes them easily playable with a little bit of practise. There are plenty of opportunities for ornamentation, should a player wish to embellish the melody.

The tune is included in The Slow Session Tunebook (available in our online shop) and an audio file is included below as an example of how it can be played. Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór has been a frequent addition to recent online Slow Sessions, replays of which can be found on our Facebook page..

A number of well-known folk groups have recorded their own versions of this tune including Planxty, The Chieftains and Fairport Convention, and an internet search will turn up a wide variety of recordings for you to listen to and take inspiration from.

Simon Ireson has recorded a version of this tune for you to play along with.