Scottish Folk Suite

This historical tale of music and narration is 
dedicated to My Parents, Roger & Martha Voisin

Composed 1991

THE YEAR: 1049

THE PLACE: Coast of Scotland

THE STORY: Scottish farmers are pitted against Scottish fisherman under the control of the Viking Raiders.

THE MUSIC: A motif has been composed for every character. The players consist of a brass quintet, 4 recorders, percussion, bagpipe, dancers and narrator.

1. Theme of Pride:

The Miller is the patriarch of the farm village and his wife was killed by the Vikings. He has a daughter who is in love with a fisherman’s son. The bagpipes tell the story.

2. Dream:

The Miller’s dead wife comes to her daughter in a dream and tells her she needs to marry the fisherman’s son (who she is in love with) to unite the people and throw out the Vikings forever.

3. Dance:

At the village dance the lovers announce their marriage and the celebration begins. After everyone goes to bed, the Vikings sneak into the house and kill the Miller to stop the wedding.  They know that the wedding would unite the people and that would be a threat to the Vikings. The church on the hill has never been used since the occupation and both lovers have never heard the church bell ring.

4. Burial:

The farm and fishing villages bury the Miller and the fisherman’s son vows to lead a revolt. They will steal down to the coast and burn the boats with the help of a Viking couple that wants to join them. The couple has a new baby and they want to raise their daughter in peace.

5. Battle:

The action begins in a cave where the people steal into the night.  Some will gather all the villagers together and head for the church on the hill.  Others will kill the Viking guards on the beach and at the church.  Others will set the fire to the long boats. The bell in the church finally rings signaling that the battle is won.  All themes from all characters are played together to end the piece!