Scotland: the new commission and its historical partner-piece
Dorchadas, duilichinn, dòchas (darkness, regret, hope) by Lisa Robertson was inspired by the traditional Hebridean song Òran an Amadaiin Bhòidhich (The Mull Fisher's Love Song), collected and arranged by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser.
The Mull Fisher's Love Song, here slightly arranged for harpsichord by Lisa, is a simple, affecting song with flowing quavers like a celtic harp, and can be played on the lute/buff stop (with spread chords on the crotchets) for extra harp-like effect.
Lisa's commission has an arch-like structure of strange effects into passionate playing which recalls the original song, and back again into the mysterious sound-world. It uses multiple extended techniques: for a performer unused to such techniques it may seem initially daunting, but they are all described clearly, and all work effectively and with absolutely no harm to any instrument! A little time to prepare the instrument is necessary before playing, but it's satisfying to perform and fascinating for the audience.
Full programme notes for Lisa's piece can be found HERE.
Left: the harpsichord prepared to perform dorchadas, duilichinn, dòchas (picture of Yonit Kosovske's instrument)
RECORDINGS
of dorchadas, duilichinn, dòchas, performed by Tiffany Vong in Glasgow, autumn 2025
of The Mull Fisher's Love Song, performed by Tiffany Vong in Glasgow, autumn 2025
SCORES
dorchadas, duilichinn, dòchas by Lisa Robertson - contact the composer HERE
The Mull Fisher's Love Song, arr. Marjory Kennedy-Fraser
Elisabetta Gambarini
Find out about the musician and musicologist at wikipedia HERE
Lisa Robertson
Lisa Robertson is a composer from the West Highlands of Scotland, particularly interested in sounds from nature, examining relationships between people and the land and highlighting environmental concerns. She is a Gaelic speaker and often focuses on Gaelic language and culture.
She was featured in BBC Music Magazine's 'Rising Stars' column and was the classical artist in The Scotsman's Ones to Watch: 2026 segment. Her music has been performed by numerous high-profile groups including the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, The Sixteen and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Her work has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, BBC World Service and BBC Radio Scotland, and she is currently participating in the London Symphony Orchestra Jerwood Composer+ scheme.
Lisa is a Music Patron composer and her music is published by Composers Edition. She is co-artistic director of the Loch Shiel Festival.
Find out more about Lisa HERE