Program Notes

The story of “MacFarlane’s Lantern” dates back centuries to the Clan MacFarlane of the Scottish Highlands. Descended from the medieval Earls of Lennox, the MacFarlanes occupied a portion of the western shore of Loch Lomond.  For much of their history, the Macfarlane clansmen were a rambunctious and rebellious group. Their rallying cry, “Loch Sloy”, was used as a signal for night raids to take cattle from their richer neighbors.  They even had a song called “Thogail nam Bo theid sinn” or “To Lift the Cows We Shall Go”.  It is because of their very successful night raids that  the full moon that shines over the Scottish Highlands became known as “MacFarlane’s Lantern”.

Notes to the conductor

This work is based on the structure and style of a traditional Scottish reel and jig.  This should be performed between 112 and 124.  Except for a slight ritard in measure 4 and an a tempo following at measure 5, the beat should remain consistent throughout. 

The snare drum should be a prominent voice throughout to represent the dance steps of both the reel and jig.  The Bodhran or Celtic Hand drum should be played with a double-headed mallet.  If a hand drum is not available, a dampened 8”-12” concert tom is recommended as an alternative.