In a post yesterday, I originally asked about any (totally biased) information any of you would be willing to share with me regarding the most beautiful traditional Irish or English ballad that you have ever heard.

Hollowfox answered, "I'd be able to answer your question better if you could tell us why you're asking. Have you just discovered ballads, are you doing a paper, just curious what we ballad junkies like? Are Scottish ballads all right? Do you have a time frame; are you only interested in the old ones, or would something written in the last few years be fine?"

To clarify: I have an a cappella sextet that performs a variety of musical styles (none of which, to date, has been Celtic ballads). I recently heard another a cappella group's version of "The Water is Wide". I absolutely adored that, and am looking for another "old one" to arrange for my group. Scottish ballads would be great. A list of anyone's favorite five, or ten, or hundred favorite ballads would also be great!!

Thanks again.