The Green Hills of Tyrol is one of the best known, and oldest, tunes played by pipe bands today. It was originally from the opera "William Tell" by Rossini, but was transcribed to the pipes in 1854 by Pipe Major John MacLeod after he heard it played by a Sardinian military band when serving in the Crimean War with his Regiment, the 93rd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Pipe Major MacLeod himself was well liked in his Regiment, and had a reputation for selflessness and amiability.
In October of that year MacLeod and five other pipers participated in the event that made the Regiment’s reputation. The Russian heavy cavalry had taken the Causeway Heights, and its gun emplacements, above the supply port of Balaclava. Only the Sutherland Highlanders under Sir Colin Campbell stood between them and the port – the capture of which would have ended the campaign there and then.
| The heavy cavalry rolled down the hill onto the 93rd. Ordered to die where they stood if need be, the 93rd was formed into an extended line two ranks deep rather than in the defensive square formation more usually adopted by infantry facing a cavalry attack. The 93rd stood its ground, firing controlled volleys into the attacking cavalry. The cavalry faltered and veered to the left of the 93rd exposing their flank to more fire. |
|
The Russians were then beaten off by an audacious uphill charge.
The repelling of a heavy cavalry charge by grossly outnumbered infantry was an unprecedented achievement.
The feat was witnessed by The Times’ war correspondent who immortalized the 93rd
as "the thin red streak tipped with a line of steel".
Unfortunately the debacle of the charge of the Light Brigade later that same day
led to a stalemate at Balaclava and the war dragged on throughout the winter.
When the Crimean campaign finally ended the 93rd were immediately dispatched to fight
in the Indian Mutiny. In this campaign Pipe Major MacLeod distinguished himself
at the siege of Lucknow when he was first through the breach and almost immediately began playing the pipes.
|
|
|
This tune, which refers to a corner of Austria, strangely entered Scottish ballad repertoire. But Scots have resolved the tension by creating a song known as “A Scottish Soldier” dedicated to the Scots who have been fighting in wars all over the world and sometimes did not return to their native land.
The version below is from Andy Stewart.
There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier, Who wandered far away and soldiered far away, There was none bolder, with good broad shoulders, He fought in many a fray and fought and won. He’s seen the glory, he’s told the story, Of battles glorious and deeds victorious. But now he’s sighing, his heart is crying, To leave these green hills of Tyrol.
Chorus
And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier, Chorus
And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier, Chorus |
Il était un soldat, un soldat écossais qui guerroyait loin de sa patrie Nul ne lui était plus audacieux et robuste Il combattit dans de nombreuses mêlées toutes victorieuses. Il a vu la gloire et raconté l’histoire des actes de bravoure émaillant ses glorieuses batailles. Mais à présent il soupire et son coeur pleure de quitter ces collines verdoyantes du Tyrol.
Refrain
Et maintenant, ce soldat, ce soldat écossais
Refrain Et maintenant, ce soldat, ce soldat écossais
Refrain |
|
Andy Stewart
|
