Seán Ó Riada and The Playboy of the Western World Soundtrack

This is a follow up to my recent, surprisingly popular post of a 1955 studio recording of John Millington Synge's play The Playboy of the Western World. At that time I said I would present the soundtrack recording of the 1962 film version of the play, if I could find it.

Frightening sculpture of
Ó Riada by alanryanhall

The gods smiled on me, and I was able to locate the LP, so here is my transfer. The recording is notable because it represents one of the first stirrings of the Irish traditional music revival, which was led by composer Seán Ó Riada. Ó Riada had assembled a group called Ceoltóirí Chualann ("musicians of Chualann") for a series of recordings on the Gael-Linn label. One of them was this album of music from the Playboy of the Western World soundtrack. The musicians play traditional tunes as arranged by Ó Riada. The main theme, at least insofar as I can tell from the impenetrable Gaelic liner notes, appears to be "Mo Mhúirnín Bán," which means "My Fair Darling." It is heard throughout the score.

Ceoltóirí Chualann included many of the founding members of the Chieftains, including its founder, Paddy Moloney, who is heard here, I believe, on the uilleann pipes.

That is Siobhán McKenna in the role of Pegeen Mike on the cover. She also appeared in the studio cast. However, the film version of play had Gary Raymond as Christy Mahon, rather than Cyril Cusack.

I want to mention that I am especially indebted to reader Hotspur, who has very graciously uploaded the entire film version of The Playboy of the Western World onto YouTube for us all to enjoy. The links are in the comments, along with the links to the soundtrack recording. I would also like to refer you to the comments section of the first Playboy post. There, Hotspur has provided links to his transfers of the Ralph Richardson "Cyrano de Bergerac" on Caedmon, and "Twelfth Night" with Siobhán McKenna, Vanessa Redgrave and Paul Scofield. For all you spoken word enthusiasts (and there seem to be quite a few of you), don't miss these transfers. Thanks, Hotspur!