Traige is inspired by Celtic myths of fairy king Dagda’s harp. Stories of The Dagda and his harp abound in Irish folklore. It is said that the fairy king of Tuatha de Dannan took the harp everywhere, and that when the harp was out of his sight, it would come to him when called. It is also said that the harp had magic bound to it in the form of “Three Noble Strains” music, Suantraí (slumber music), Goltraí (sorrow music) and Geantraí (joy music). Each strain bore a specific and powerful abstract emotion which, it is believed, only the most masterful performers could coax the harp’s beauty into summoning the power a “Noble Strain.” When performed with such mastery, a “traí “is believed to have had deep effect on the listener.

My work, Traige, in three movements, explores each of these three strains. I composed it in 1977 at the request of Frances Miller, legendary Minnesota performer and teacher. Frances Miller is also the mother of my friend, Lynne Aspnes, who is an equally legendary performer and teacher.

Libby Larsen, 2024