Earlier this year, the Manx Heritage Foundation Manx Music Development Team commissioned David Kilgallon to produce two works for organ based on Manx traditional music. The idea behind the commission was to create new pieces which can be downloaded freely from the MHF website so that organists in the Isle of Man and around the world can access Manx music. There are two separate pieces to suit two different moods, celebratory and contemplative. ‘Mannin Vooar’, based on the traditional song ‘Mannin Veg Veen’ would be suitable for weddings and other joyful celebrations. Around three minutes in length, it is an upbeat composition inspired by a song about the Island and its sea heritage. The second piece, ‘Scollag Aeg’, is slightly longer and has a much more wistful mood and would be suitable for times of contemplation or even for memorial or funeral services. The song on which it is based is one of the few in the repertoire which is sung from the woman’s perspective, collected by Mona Douglas from Mrs Shimmin in Foxdale. The beautiful minor melody has been teased apart in the new composition, making something fresh and new out of something old. David Kilgallon is one of the Island’s most highly respected multi-instrumentalists and singers. He is one of the driving forces behind award-winning traditional band King Chiaullee, a member of Cliogaree Twoaie Manx Gaelic choir and a keen composer of new tunes. But his interests are not confined to traditional music – he is a classically trained on violin, piano, organ and composition, holding two degrees in music. David commented: “This project has given me an exciting opportunity to arrange two traditional Manx songs that I believe both themes will be familiar to many musicians in the Isle of Man: ‘Mannin Veg Veen’ and ‘Scollag Aeg’. ‘Mannin Vooar’ has been composed as a short voluntary, with an optional fanfare introduction. I intended to write in a style that could easily suit a number of different celebratory events. It may also serve as a party piece for any organist looking for a piece of music with high spirit that leaves plenty of room for imagination and expression. ‘Scollag Aeg’ is a more of solemn piece, and I attempted to capture a much more passionate and sonorous side to the melody, reflected with much intensity in places.” Manx Music Development Officer for the Foundation, Dr Breesha Maddrell, commented: ‘David’s new compositions took Manx traditional songs as their starting point but succeeded in teasing new life out of the twists and turns of their melodies to create two original and accessible new works for organ which are highly playable and yet interesting enough to make excellent concert pieces.’ The two new works are available for free download on the LEARN page of www.manxmusic.com where you can also listen to sound files. The compositions are royalty free for non-commercial live performances so that as many people as possible can enjoy them for many years to come. ENDS