© ericdentinger.com
2008-2025
Eric Maclewis
Highland Cathedral
(Moira Kerr)
Land of the thistle and the rowan tree
Scotland a nation, proud and free
Under the Saltire flying high for me
Leading us onward into victory
Aiming high for all to see
Together we stand, with faith in our land
In times of trial and in victory
Scotland we will be there
High in the mountains the die was cast
By our forefathers in the past
Vows of unity and peace were made
In a Highland cathedral where the pipers played
Aiming high for all to see
Together we stand, with faith in our land
In times of trial and in victory
Scotland we will be there
This tune is a standard of the repertoire to such an extent that we could give it a seniority that it does not have...
Nor is it of Scottish origin.
Composed in 1982 by two German musicians, Michael Korb and Ulrich (Uli) Roever, its solemn beauty even led it to apply for the title of Scottish national anthem.
The cathedral in question would have been used by King James I of Scotland (1394-1437) to bring together the clan leaders to put an end to their quarrels.
Unifying piece therefore, also on the musical level because this tune is regularly covered by the pipe-bands.
It is also very popular for weddings.
Several lyrics have been added to this tune: I chose those of Moira Kerr, a Scottish singer.
NB: for the record, there is a church in Glasgow precisely named or rather nicknamed "Highland Cathedral": St Columba Gaelic Church.
Of recent origin (opened in 1904) it could therefore not be used to meet the clan leaders mentioned above.
It is also not known whether this building - which is not a cathedral in the literal sense - was able to serve as inspiration for our two German composers.
PRACTICE CHANTER:
1- place the G grace notes, doublings (give a special attention to the E doubling that we often tend to anticipate) and slurs on the beat,
2- the birl (part.1 - bar 4) with its first note (A) on the beat,
3- the grips part.2 a little forward with the main note of course on the beat,
4- because of related notes (quarter notes and eighth notes), some G grace notes are placed on the afterbeat,
"outside" of the pulsation of your metronome, so:
Do not forget to sing the air as usual to soak up the rhythm.
HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL
SLOW AIR
- score by Eric Maclewis with CelticPipes
