This melodic waltz is often seen in the repertoire of Irish traditional musicians despite being composed in the 1970s. It is named after Inisheer (Inis Oírr), one of the Aran Islands of Ireland. Thomas Walsh composed the melody after vacationing there. He recalled: "I composed 'Inisheer' the next day while I was walking in Phoenix Park [Dublin] dreaming of what I had left behind, and the peace and tranquility it gave me."

After I visited the neighboring island Inishmore, I felt inspired (much like Walsh) to make this arrangement. It imitates Inisheer being played during an Irish music session. (Imagine several musicians playing the tune together several times over, swapping in and out, and adding more interest with each playthrough.) The arrangement grows louder, more complex, and more dramatic as it is repeated until it reaches a climax and ends softly.

—Liam Flood

Source:

• Keller, Tom. "Inisheer, Oh Inisheer: The Story of an Irish Air." FolkWorld, no. 33 (May 2007). http://www.folkworld.eu/33/e/inisheer.html