Dougie MacLean touched the pinnacle of creative achievement with “The Gael.”
The pinnacle of artistic achievement is the creation of work that transcends the moment to become timeless — and perhaps immortal. Dougie MacLean hit that mark with “The Gael,” which was used as a centerpiece theme in Trever Jones’ soundtrack for the 1992 film “The Last of the Mohicans.”
I had the good fortune to interview Dougie a few years ago when he came here for a Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series show. A delightful man, wonderful interview. Traditional archer. He’s composed several songs that have become standards and swept around the world. “The Gael” has landed in repertoires of groups ranging from symphonies to primal pipe-and-drum street outfits.
You can’t wear it out. So here is “The Gael,” in a variety of forms, in all its glory. Enjoy.
The Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack
Dougie MacLean live
The American Rogues & U.S. Air Force Symphony
Paul McNamee says
Stirring piece of music. (At least, it speaks to my Gael blood.)
JimC says
I think I know of a Gael-obsessed writer who woulda dug it…
Lane Batot says
I never realized music from the 1992 “Last Of The Mohicans” was so universally popular! I, for one, think that soundtrack is the BEST part of a very good movie( this despite the director being a somewhat “difficult” primate to deal with–this spoken from ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, since I WAS a Coureur De Bois Xtra in the film! And don’t strain yer eyes lookin’ for me–as I like to say, I was too skilled an elusive Coureur De Bois for THE MANN to capture on film! But I can show you where I appear for a millisecond IF you have stop-action ability AND an electron microscope you can mount on yer TV screen!) And indeed I LOVE all Gaelic/Celtic music, including yer Bagpipes! Seems like there is no middle ground involving Bagpipes–you either love them or hate them! Maybe it’s genetic, and with my Scotch ancestry(among many other bloodlines, being a typical American mongrel), I have a naturally appreciative ear for such! My ears, at the very least, are Scottish! And J. C.–are you TRYING to get me to wear my right index finger into permanent extinction, posting these subjects relating to my personal past infamous adventures that I am only too happy to peck-on about????
JimC says
Lane Batot says
“Yes” that you want to hear/read more of my stories, or “yes” you want my right index finger to be put out of commission so I CAN’T relate any more of my stories in this format?????
JimC says
“Yes” that you want to hear/read more of my stories, or “yes” you want my right index finger to be put out of commission so I CAN’T relate any more of my stories in this format?????
Yes, more stories. Even if you have to peck em out with a bony stump. Besides, you have a left one, too.
Lane Batot says
Awright, but I was just gonna warn you if you hoped to wear ALL my digits down, you would be doomed to disappointment, as I have access to LOTS of highly potent salamanders to rub on them for regenerative purposes(ahem!)……
JimC says
I have a hunch that if you were as de-digited as the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you would find a way to peck out a message with your nose. Hope so anyway. I delight in your correspondence.
Thom Eley says
Dougie is GREAT. You need to hear him in person.
JimC says
He played here several years ago in a Sisters Folk Festival Winter concert. Solo acoustic and delightful.