Brian Boru's March (PDF)

Brian Boru’s March is a traditional Irish tune about the High King of Ireland from about 941-1014. Brian Boru died in the Battle of Clontarf in which his army defeated the Vikings. This tune, originally a slow air, commemorates the journey where his body was brought back to Armagh for burial. The tune, however, does work well as a lively dance at a faster tempo. Perhaps, the original unknown composer purposely composed a tune with the ambiguity of the victory, but with the loss of a leader.