Eleanor Na Run

Eleanor na Run is an Irish Folk song composed in the 1500’s. Composer unknown.
Is mostly sung in traditional Gaelic. It is written as dialogue, a rarity for any folk music, especially one as old as this.

I fell in love with the story but in my musical retelling, I decided to let Eleanor’s secret admirer win her heart scored with all original music. The work starts and ends with the original folksong.
The following is the first verse English and you will see why I fell in love with it.

Performance Option 

I prefer having the song sung for the audience before perfoming this work. You have either English or Gaelic to choose from. You can hear both versions on Youtube. If you wanted, you could have them sing both as they are both beautiful and side by side, the Gaelic is mesmerizing. They are to be sung a capella, male or female voice in whatever key they like. The basic vocal music has been provided for you in Gaelic. If you prefer english, listen to it on Youtube.

English

You're my love at first sight, Eleanor my secret.

It's of you that I am thinking of while I sleep my love and my first treasure.

you are the most beautiful in all of Ireland
lovely young maiden, you have the nicest, sweetest kiss. as long as I live I will desire you.

for I would love to drive the calves with you, Eleanor, my secret.

Gaelic 

Mo ghrá den chéadfhéachaint thú, Eileanóir na rún,
Is ort a bhím ag smaoineamh tráth a mbím i mo shuan,

A ghrá den tsaol is a chéadsearc, is tú is deise ná ban Éireann.

Curfá:

A bhruinnillín deas óg is tú is deise milse póg,
Chúns mhairfead beo beidh gean agam ort,
Mar is deas mar a sheolfainn gamhna leat, Eileanóir na rún.

• SCORE PREVIEW (PDF)