This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Emer’s Farewell to Cucullain
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs, Folk songs
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Emer’s Farewell to Cucullain by Charles Villiers Stanford — Lyrics
O might a maid confess her secret longing
To one who dearly loves, but may not speak!
Alas! I had not hidden to thy wronging
A bleeding heart beneath a smiling cheek;
I had not stemmed my bitter tears from starting,
And thou had’st learned my bosom’s dear distress,
And half the pain, the cruel pain of parting,
Had passed, Cucullin, in thy fond caress.
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About Emer’s Farewell to Cucullain
Charles Villiers Stanford sets this poignant English text for SATB choir, crafting a moments of tender longing and brave farewell. The music opens with expressive harmonies as the singer confesses her secret love and sorrow at parting. This is a secular folksong arrangement where the voices weave together to portray the maiden Emer’s conflicting emotions: her desire to hold back her tears and her stoic encouragement of her hero Cucullain as he rides to war. The piece builds to a dramatic climax reflecting the hero's departure and Emer's fervent hope for his glorious return and their reunion.
