Re audiences understanding the language...I didn't do this at first, but now I make the assumption that at least a few people are either curious or will have a better experience of the song if they know something of the meaning, so I always first read out the translation of the lyrics, which are beautiful in themselves. On the other hand, when I hear a song in a language I don't know, I find plenty to enjoy in the rest of the performance.

ETO - I like what you said. A song comes alive through individual interpretation; no two people ever sing alike (tho' someone did once send me a copy of Ailein Duinn sung by an unknown, and it was an eerie almost-replica of Karen Matheson's singing of it, even down to the production of it - my thought was, why bother? why not do it your own way?).

Afterthought: if any gaelic speaker might be open to giving me feedback on my gaelic singing, that would be most welcome - let me know and I'll send you the myspace link.

Sue