Cairistìona Nighean Eòghainn – Christina, Ewan’s Daughter

Cairistìona Nighean Eòghainn – Christina, Ewan’s Daughter

This joyful port à beul reel celebrates the return of Christina, daughter of Ewen/Owen, when she was nearly lost. The lyrics say that the pipes will play and people will dance a jolly dance. Full lyrics here.

My pipe arrangement is based largely on Anne Marie MacLean’s performance at the Mòd: https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/95360?l=en

cairistiona-nighean-eoghainnDownload

Other Versions

The simplicity of this song lends itself to a lot of little melodic and rhythmic variations. The first version I heard was by Julie Fowlis on her incredible album Dual. You may notice a few ideas from this in my performance above.

This huge choral arrangement is inspiring for its layered harmony and rhythmic breath, which are hard to emulate on the pipes.