Tune Req: Highland Cathedral

16 Apr 97 - 04:36 AM (#4663)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Nobby ([e-mail])

Last Sunday we had a concert in Bad Lippspringe (near Paderborn/Germany) where even to my surprise two Scotsman from a nearby British regiment came down with their bagpipes and we played Highland Cathedral.

Our "Musikzug der Freiwilligen Feuerwehr Bad Lippspringe plays trumpets, saxophones, clarinets ... so we are a brass band.

Playing Highland Cathedral with a brass band and bagpipes sounds marvellous!

It´s difficult to send a tune in ASCII so write me by e-mail if you need the lines!

Nobby

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17 Apr 97 - 12:19 PM (#4074)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: John O'Keefe

Yes. I have a piper living here in the house, and he does indeed know the tune. The question is, how do we get it to you? There are alot of embelishments in it, so it may be hard to send over this format. Any suggestions? We could send a copy of the music to you at your address, if you like. To Ken's knowledge(the piper) there are no lyrics. Let us know what we can do. John

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28 Oct 01 - 07:11 PM (#581592)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Tattie Bogle

Heard someone singing some lyrics to it the other week at Newtongrange: don't know if she wrote them herself, or if they are generally known, but wouldn't mind having them, if anyone can oblige, please????? Tattie B

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28 Oct 01 - 07:15 PM (#581594)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Tattie Bogle

Forgot to say, the pipe band played it at the Scotland/Ireland rugby match in September: we had seats in the West stand with a superb view over the Edinburgh skyline: the music and the view together were just fantastic!

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28 Oct 01 - 07:48 PM (#581615)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Cobble

We have heard a hymn sung to this tune on 'Songs of Praise' (BBC 1) but don't remember the words.

First heared it played on an accordian on the Isle of Skye some years ago. Its a wonderful tune.

Cobble & Mrs C

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28 Oct 01 - 08:16 PM (#581626)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: George Seto - [e-mail]

Seems to me there are lyrics. Will see if I have anything on it.

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28 Oct 01 - 08:38 PM (#581637)
Subject: Lyr Add: HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL
From: masato sakurai

Isn't it this one?

Highland Cathedral

Land of my fathers, we will always be
faithful and loyal to our own country.
In times of danger, we will set you free,
Lead you to glory and to victory.

Hail, Caledonia, to our ancient prayer,
in this Highland Cathedral, let our standards bear,
Joining together with one dream to share,
God bless the people of this land so fair.

Gone is the past, let us start anew,
Let this hope of peace always remain,
Spirit of Scotia, be strong and true,
then your children will smile again.

Rise Caledonia, let your voices ring
in this Highland Cathedral of our God and King,
Whom, joy and liberty, to all, will bring,
Come, let your heart, with love and courage, sing.

Lonely the exile o'er distant seas,
the home of their birth, gone from their eyes.
Bring back their souls o'er the ocean breeze
to the land where their fathers lie.

Rise Caledonia ........
This song was inspired after hearing a wonderful pipe-tune, amazingly written by a German. The words and music emphasise the feeling of a national anthem, as intended. The story goes that, under the rule of King James the First, all clan chiefs were asked to meet in a secret place, the Highland Cathedral, to pledge an ending to their constant feuding and live in peace. This they did and peace reigned in both Scotland and England, but, alas, only for as long as the King lived.
SOURCE: From Here.

~Masato

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28 Oct 01 - 08:40 PM (#581639)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: masato sakurai

From here.

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29 Oct 01 - 02:30 AM (#581755)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Barry T

Here's my midi of the tune. Regretfully sound cards will not yield a decent sound of the pipes, but you'll get some feeling for the majesty of the tune as mentioned by Nobby above.

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29 Oct 01 - 08:25 AM (#581832)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,Adolfo

A bit difficult to find, perhaps, but there's a beautiful version of HC in "Edinburgh Castle Tattoo, 1992", the official record of the event. It includes brass, pipes and choir.

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29 Oct 01 - 12:18 PM (#582001)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: smallpiper

I have the dots for it but don't know how to get it to you - I could scan it at work and email it as a word document PM me if you want me to give it a go. John

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29 Oct 01 - 12:40 PM (#582013)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,john c

Thats a great midi, Barry T. Enjoyed it!

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31 Oct 01 - 07:39 PM (#583501)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Tattie Bogle

Thanks for the words and accompanying notes, Masato, that's brilliant! Looks like what I heard the other week. Apart from the tune, it's the key change in the middle that has quite dramatic effect, IMHO. Tattie B

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31 Oct 01 - 07:44 PM (#583505)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Tattie Bogle

And one of the best midis I've ever heard: can I get it made into a ringtone for my mobile? Tattie B

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31 Oct 01 - 08:26 PM (#583545)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: katlaughing

Beautiful!! Thanks, Barry, and Masato for the words!

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01 Nov 01 - 02:56 PM (#584128)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Roger in Sheffield

My friend played the tune for me the other week, she is learning it to play for some event soon. I have asked her for the music but for now I found this at JC's
Nice Midi I will compare the notes and try and send the midi to my friend

Roger

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01 Nov 01 - 03:21 PM (#584155)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Roger in Sheffield

Glasgow Phoenix Choir version for windows media player

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11 Sep 02 - 08:18 AM (#781169)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: John in Brisbane

Didn't catch up with this thread the first time around and found it after someone approached me for the lyrics.

I can't find Barry Taylor's MIDI on the web. Anyideas please?

The choral arrangement by the Glasgow Phoenix Choir is still there and is a lovely peace of work. Before I go begging to the Choir Director does anyone have the four part transcription please, or know where it may be published?

Best Regards, John

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11 Sep 02 - 09:03 AM (#781185)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

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04 Feb 04 - 08:12 AM (#1109015)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,Duncan

Just wondered if anyone had any guitar chords for this?

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04 Feb 04 - 10:55 AM (#1109144)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,Bart wi' a heart

Sorry don't have any chords.

I hear its going to be the new Scottish anthem so it should be possible to find some.


B w a H

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04 Feb 04 - 08:34 PM (#1109621)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Barry T

Duncan> Just wondered if anyone had any guitar chords for this?

See the link on Roger's message 1 Nov 01 (above). The gif in JC's tunefinder displays the chords.

John in Brisbane> can't find Barry Taylor's MIDI on the web.

I had it 'up there' for just a short time. Because the tune is protected by copyright I didn't feel comfortable publishing it (the midi) for perpetuity.

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12 Feb 04 - 10:47 AM (#1114888)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,Duncan

Sorry, I've been away. THanks Barry I got it this time.
\
D

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30 Mar 04 - 09:58 PM (#1150605)
Subject: RE: Highland Cathedral
From: Johnny in OKC

If this works, you will hear
Highland Cathedral
played by the Highlanders of Oklahoma City,
with organ accompaniment.

Johnny in OKC

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31 Mar 04 - 09:12 AM (#1150912)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

I heard Harriet Bartlett play Highland Cathedral on accordion at Boxing Clever at Sidmouth Festival a couple of years ago. Amazing!

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31 Mar 04 - 04:30 PM (#1151271)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: ScottishVoice

We played this with a german youth wind band in kronach a couple of years ago. amazing we turned up at the same concert (we are a fiddle group from scotland) and they said can you play highland cathedral? we were like year cool, no bother what arrangement have you got and it turns out it was the leader of our groups arrangement!! sounded great together as well! And a few of my friends sang it at murrayfield not so long ago. Its an ok tune, ive just played it a bit too much!

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31 Mar 04 - 08:19 PM (#1151455)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: John in Brisbane

I've never seen the lyrics. Can a kind person post them here please?

Regards, John

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27 Apr 04 - 02:47 PM (#1172505)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

you can find the lyrics at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/highlandcathedral/

i played this as part of the north lanarkshire schools wind ensemble in italy last year with a piper, and then again at our end or term concert in the royal concert hall in glasgow with the band, piper and a 60-strong choir. its an amazing piece!

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27 Apr 04 - 03:04 PM (#1172524)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Johnny in OKC

... and it beats HELL out of "Amazing Grace".

Love, Johnny

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27 Apr 04 - 03:26 PM (#1172558)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

Guest, lyrics could not be displayed. Would someone please post the lyrics? It should be in the DT.

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27 Apr 04 - 03:29 PM (#1172562)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

One set of lyrics:

Lyrics by Terry Mechan, 1998 - see foot of page.

There is a land far from this distant shore
Where heather grows and Highland Eagles soar
There is a land that will live ever more
Deep in my heart, my Bonnie Scotland

Though I serve so far away
I still see your streams, cities and dreams
I can`t wait until the day
When I`ll come home once more

So Lord keep me from the harm of war
Through all the dangers and the battles roar
Keep me safe until I`m home once more
Home to my own in Bonnie Scotland



another version:

Highland Cathedral
Words by Ben Kelly

Land of our fathers, we will always be
Faithful and loyal to our own country.
In times of danger, we will set you free,
Lead you to glory and to victory.
Hail, Caledonia, to our ancient prayer.
In this Highland Cathedral, let our standards bear.
Joining, together, with one dream to share.
God bless the people of this land so fair.

Chorus

Gone is the past, let us start anew.
Let this hope of peace, always remain.
Spirit of Scotia, be strong and true.
Then your children will smile again, again, again, again.
Rise, Caledonia, let your voices ring
In this Highland Cathedral of our God and King.
Whom joy and liberty to all will bring.
Come; let your heart with love and courage sing.
Chorus

Lonely the exile, o'er distant seas,
The home of their birth, gone from their eyes.
Bring back their souls o'er the ocean breeze
To the land where their fathers lie.
Repeat last verse


First verse of lyrics from Donald Smith:

Land of the mountain, islands and the sea,
Highland and Lowland, that gives life to me,
Mother of justice and humanity,
Be our last refuge, stronghold of the free.

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27 Apr 04 - 04:01 PM (#1172592)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

Thanks for posting the lyrics. Both have their points.

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27 Apr 04 - 04:08 PM (#1172598)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

there are evidenlty a couple more sets of lyrics floating about to the same tune - including at least one set in german.

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03 Mar 07 - 06:23 PM (#1985277)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,quest

looking for sheet music for highland cathedral in an easy key with chords for accordion can anyone help

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03 Mar 07 - 06:35 PM (#1985289)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Murray MacLeod

I would just like to go on record that in my opinion this " tune " is the most cringeworthy, crass, written-with-an-eye-to-commercial-success composition that it has ever been my misfortune to hear.

Unfortunately, I hear it all the time here, it is part of the repertoire of every amateur piper in Pitlochry.

The more I hear it, the more I mourn the loss of Gordon Duncan ...

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03 Mar 07 - 07:11 PM (#1985322)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Scotus

I couldn't agree more, Murray!

Jack

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23 Feb 10 - 12:56 PM (#2847811)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST

Can anyone please repost Barry Taylor's MIDI of Highland Cathedral?

Regards,
Oliver

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24 Feb 10 - 03:43 AM (#2848435)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Joe Offer

Well, it's not at Barry's Canadian Tunebook. I couldn't find it at Taylor's Traditional Tunebook, either. Barry has always been very careful about respecting copyrights, so it could be that he has removed it because of copyright considerations.
You'll find that the song has a Webpage at http://www.highlandcathedral.de/
One of many YouTube recordings is here (click).

Oh - I did find a MIDI here (click), but I don't know if it's Barry's. Another MIDI here (click).
-Joe-

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24 Feb 10 - 05:28 AM (#2848502)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: BobKnight

And it's not even Scottish.

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24 Feb 10 - 05:46 AM (#2848522)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Jack Campin

I don't think Scottish mega-hits are meant to be Scottish.

Amazing Grace - American
Skye Boat Song - English
Flower of Scotland - Italian
Scottish Soldier - Italian
Ashokan Farewell - American

Somehow or other Scotland the Brave slipped through, though.

(Actually I find Highland Cathedral kinda grows on me. Unlike bloody Ashokan Farewell).

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25 Feb 10 - 06:18 AM (#2849631)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,GUEST

Hi Joe

Thanks for your reply. I reckon these are not Barry's midi.

Is there a way to contact Barry?

Did he buy his version of this song? If yes what is the name (home page) of the seller?

Regards

Oliver

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25 Feb 10 - 12:59 PM (#2849963)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: Barry T

> Barry has always been very careful about respecting copyrights

Joe hit the nail on the head.

Because I cannot control what users would do with my sequences of copyright tunes, I take a cautious approach. For the most part they do not even leave my hard drive.

I am not particularly proud of that sequence of Highland Cathedral. It was made with the melody being at best an electronic 'facsimile' of the highland bagpipe. The chanter sound was a blend of tenor saxophone and oboe... a very rough attempt to get that characteristic 'nasal' sound of the pipe chanter.

But the outcome depends totally on the quality of the player's sound card and sound font. On some PC's the result sounds like the pipes; on others it sounds like a saxophone accompanied by an oboe!

The sequence was crafted in the days before the introduction of the excellent bagpipe notation software packages now available. These now offer superb wav file playback using sound fonts grown from the actual instrument sounds.

Except for the addition of brass and reed tracks that accompany the ersatz pipes, there is nothing special about the sequence.

My recommendation: buy the CD!

.

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01 Mar 10 - 04:52 AM (#2852789)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Highland Cathedral
From: GUEST,GUEST

Hi Barry

Thanks a lot for your reply. As I'd like to play this song on my organ
- which has an excellent bag pipe sound - a CD does not help me.
What I was looking for is the addition of brass, reed or even drum tracks. So I could play along with the midi file by muting the melody track.

Regards

Oliver

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09 Apr 10 - 10:06 PM (#2883391)
Subject: Attn : Barry Taylor
From: GUEST,Peter Whitlock

Hello Barry Taylor.

Sorry, this has nothing to do with the topic of this thread.

You won't likely remember me, but I played drums in the UWP group in Summerside a few years back ( the lineup that played for the Queen at 8 Hangar), and recently came across some tapes from a show we did somewhere in PEI from 1972 or so. That of course prompted me to search the net for any traces of that particular UWP group, lo and behold I came up with a thread on this site that had your name on it from some comments you made in 2002.

I couldn't resist saying hello, notwithstanding it's been almost 40 years...Are you still actively involved in music in any way these days?

Would be great to hear from you.

Peter Whitlock - [e-mail]

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