Four Partsongs from the Highlands: 4. Fareweel tae Tarwathie

"These settings were commissioned by my alma mater California State University, Hayward, a place of happy memory and abiding affection and ties. How privileged I was to hear the premiere performance of the Chamber Singers and Dr. Roberta Brokaw, flute, conducted by Dr. David Stein on 15 March 1998. Three of the settings are of pre-existing tunes; O, My Luve Is Like a Red, Red Rose is originally composed. Similarly, two texts are from the tradition, and two sing the poetry of Robert Burns. Singers and conductors of these works are encouraged to render the texts of these love songs with an ear to an authentic Scots accent. Although a guide employing the international phonetic alphabet (IPA) symbols was originally contemplated for these editions, I suggest rather that the counsel of a Scot with some expertise in the modifications of spoken speech for the sake of euphony and the principles of lyric diction would be the best and most facile course. As with any language or dialect, an enlightened engagement in the pursuit of the Scots accent can only enhance the singers’ enjoyment of these beautiful tunes and texts." —Leo Nestor