This is a second version of the Irish folk song - "The Rose of Tralee." In this recording the accompaniment for the vocal line is only one instrument - classical guitar. The song now has a lighter, more ethereal feel.

"The Rose of Tralee" was written by William P. Mulchinock (1820-1864) for his friend, Mary O'Connor. She was a servant girl in his house, with whom he fell in love. Mulchinock was forced to flee Ireland for England for a short period. When he returned home, Mary had died of consumption. From this love he then wrote the beautiful song, "The Rose of Tralee."

"... The pale moon was rising above the green mountain,
the sun was declining beneath the blue sea.
When I strayed with my love o'er the pure crystal fountain
That stands in the beautiful vale of Tralee...

She was lovely and fair as the Rose in the Summer.
Yet t'was not her beauty alone that won me.
Oh no t'was the truth in eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee..."

"The Rose of Tralee" seems to express in its text and music not only the possibility of true love between two people, but also the trancendental nature of love itself.

Live performance of "The Rose of Tralee" sung by Dorothea Fayne (Mezzo-Soprano), accompanied by Siegfried Andreae (Guitar). April 2007.