The Irish have long been famed for their powerful traditional melodies, and three in this volume are surely amongst the finest. 'Danny Boy' (the melody of which is also known as 'Londonderry Air') was first published, without a title, in 1855. The words most commonly associated with it were written by an Englishman who apparently never set foot in Ireland! 'The lark in the clear air' is an exquisite song celebrating the beauty of nature. The poignant words of 'The last rose of summer' match the song's mournful, drooping melody.