A Manx Gaelic song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from the Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Arrane Ashoonagh dy Vannin (Manx National Anthem) by William H Gill

Written in 1907 by William Henry Gill (1839‐1923), the National Anthem is based on an old folk tune. Gill composed new words and adapted the Manx melody ‘Mylecharaine’ or ‘Molly Charane’ (which was already regarded as the ‘Manx national air’) to form an anthem “worthy to stand side by side, although at a respectable distance from, ‘God Save the King’.” Dedicated to the Governor’s wife, Lady Raglan, it was launched at the Manx Music Festival (Guild) of 1907 to mixed reviews, but was actually only officially recognised as the National Anthem by Tynwald in 2003.
Consisting of eight verses, the anthem gives a romantic outline of the Island’s history from Norse times. . It was translated into Manx Gaelic by John J Kneen (1873 – 1939). Today, the first and last verses are most likely to be sung at official and social events.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Arrane Ashoonagh dy Vannin [with orchestra]

A pronunciation guide by Annie Kissack to a Manx Gaelic song from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Geay Jeh’n Aer (Wind of the Air) - Manx traditional, arr. Annie Kissack

Also known as ‘The Sea Invocation’, Geay Jeh’n Aer was collected in 1921 by Mona Douglas from Mrs Shimmin, a housewife from Foxdale, who said that it was ‘the good wish of a girl for her lover on the sea’.  It contains vocables in the form of Ho Ro, which are characteristic of Hebridean songs.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Geay Jeh'n Aer [pronunciation]

A Manx Gaelic song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Geay Jeh’n Aer (Wind of the Air) - Manx traditional, arr. Annie Kissack

Also known as ‘The Sea Invocation’, Geay Jeh’n Aer was collected in 1921 by Mona Douglas from Mrs Shimmin, a housewife from Foxdale, who said that it was ‘the good wish of a girl for her lover on the sea’.  It contains vocables in the form of Ho Ro, which are characteristic of Hebridean songs.
This arrangement is by Annie Kissack, conductor of Gaelic choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, and it was first recorded on their CD Cronnane (2000).

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Geay Jeh'n Aer

A Manx song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

The Mother’s Carol - Music by John W Gelling & words by Cushag

John W Gelling (1886—1973) set this poem ‘Sing Soft and Low’ by Manx poet Cushag (Josephine Kermode) and called it ‘The Mother’s Carol’. His setting was recently discovered as a hand‐written manuscript (thought to date from the 1950s) in the Manx National Heritage Library and transcribed by Dr Chloë Woolley. It had not been published before, so permission to use the song in Coraa has been granted by John W Gelling’s granddaughter, Rosemary Derbyshire. It has been transposed and the verses reconstructed using Cushag’s poem.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

The Mother's Carol

A Manx Gaelic song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Yn Aavioghey (The Revival) - Music & arrangement by Greg Joughin & Julie Matthews. Lyrics by Freddie Cowle.

This song tells of the plight of the Manx Gaelic language and it was performed by Ny Mooirlaigyn (The Sea‐worn Stones) at the annual Pan‐Celtic song contest in Galway, Ireland in 1992. The lyrics were written by Freddie Cowle with music and arrangement by Greg Joughin and Julie Matthews.  It has since been recorded by The Mollag Band and Staa ‐ Greg is the leader singer with both bands. The score asks for ‘claghyn’, which are specifically quartz stones rounded by the movement of the sea. i.e. ny mooirlaigyn!

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Yn Aavoighey

A pronunciation guide by Annie Kissack to a Manx Gaelic song from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Reamyn yn Yrjey Vooar (Ye Boundless Realms of Joy) - Anon. The Colby Manuscripts, ed. Francis Roads

This West Gallery psalm is from the Colby Manuscripts — the collection of William Shepherd, a singing teacher who was active in the Isle of Man in the early 19th century. The part books were rediscovered in the Manx Museum by Dr Francis Roads when he was conducting his PhD research. Many West Gallery hymns performed in the Island were found elsewhere in the British Isles and this particular setting of Psalm 148 uses the melody ‘Portsmouth’. This anonymous arrangement has not been found elsewhere and it has been noted that ‘Ramsey Town’, (later collected by WH Gill in the 1890s), bears echoes of the melody.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Reamyn yn Vrjey Vooar [pronunciation]

A Manx song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Graih my Chree (Love of my Heart) by Nigel Brown, arr. Frank Woolley

This song was written by Nigel Brown of Scaanjoon. He based his lyrics on the traditional song of the same title in Manx National Songs (1896) and it appears on his album 'Creepy Folk Come Down' (2006). Originally composed for solo voice and guitar, this choral (SSA) and piano version was arranged by Frank Woolley in 2010.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Graih my Chree [English]

A pronunciation guide by Annie Kissack to a Manx Gaelic song from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

S’Feayr yn Oie (Cold is the Night) by Annie Kissack.

Composed by Annie Kissack, this song was written about the shepherds for a Bunscoill Ghaelgagh Christmas nativity. She later adapted it for her Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh by incorporating two Manx folk melodies  ‐ ‘Step Dance’ and ‘Hi Juan Jiggison’ and by adding the lyrics of traditional song ‘Graih my Chree’ (Love of my Heart). This latter verse, which tells of lost or unrequited love, brings a more ambiguous interpretation to the theme of waiting and keeping watch...

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

S'Feayr yn Oie [pronunciation]

A pronunciation guide by Annie Kissack to a Manx Gaelic song from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Yee Reilys Niau (Deus Creator Omnium) (Creator of the Earth and Sky) by George R Leah

This hymn setting by George R Leah (1912—1993) was written in 1986 and is also known as ‘Old St. German’s’. It appeared in his posthumous song, piano and hymn book Spirit of Delight (1999), which was produced for family and friends, and in Fenella Bazin’s book of Manx hymns, The Everlasting Hills (2006). The original Latin lyrics from St. Ambrose (340—397) were translated into Manx by Reverend Robert Thomson in 1988.

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Yee Reillys Niau [pronunciation]

A pronunciation guide by Annie Kissack to a Manx Gaelic song from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Yn Aavioghey (The Revival) - Music & arrangement by Greg Joughin & Julie Matthews. Lyrics by Freddie Cowle.

This song tells of the plight of the Manx Gaelic language and it was performed by Ny Mooirlaigyn (The Sea‐worn Stones) at the annual Pan‐Celtic song contest in Galway, Ireland in 1992. The lyrics were written by Freddie Cowle with music and arrangement by Greg Joughin and Julie Matthews.  It has since been recorded by The Mollag Band and Staa ‐ Greg is the leader singer with both bands. The score asks for ‘claghyn’, which are specifically quartz stones rounded by the movement of the sea. i.e. ny mooirlaigyn!

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
www.culturevannin.im
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
www.instagram.com/culturevannin/
www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Yn Aavoighey [pronunciation]

Promoting and supporting all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.

Culture Vannin awards grants and initiates schemes whilst supporting the work of development officers for music and language. The work of Culture Vannin has been fundamental to the revival of interest and support for Manx language and culture over the last twenty years.

Culture Vannin is the trading name for the Manx Heritage Foundation, registered charity 333 in the Isle of Man.

New tracks tagged #Manx choir