Southwind

Notes

“Southwind” (originally An Gaoth Aduaid) is a beautiful and haunting 18th-century Irish air that has become one of the most beloved waltzes in the Celtic tradition. It was composed by the harper Freckled Donal MacNamara, who was said to be so overcome with homesickness for his native County Mayo while staying in Munster that he wrote this melody to express his longing for the wind to carry him home.

Unlike the fast-paced reels and jigs, “Southwind” is a graceful, slow piece in 3/4 time. It is celebrated for:

• The Lyrical Melody: The tune is typically played in G Major and features long, flowing notes that mimic the movement of the wind. It has a gentle, rolling quality that makes it perfect for both solo performance and as a contemplative “session closer.”

• The Emotional Depth: While the melody is technically simple, it allows for a great deal of “expression”—players often use subtle slides, vibrato, and varying dynamics to emphasize the “longing” heart of the piece.

• Versatility: While it started as a harp tune, it has been adopted as a “standards” piece for fiddle, tin whistle, and especially the acoustic guitar.