Thank you Linda. I love these two tunes also and they are fun to play. :-)

Thank you Cynthia!

Delightful.

Dusty - no apologies necessary - I find these kinds of discussions very interesting. And thanks for the generous compliment on my playing. You're too kind.

I havebeen toldthat O'Carolan himself never used the word "planxty" in his song titles. They were songs commissioned either by or in honor of someone and he used that person's name as the title. Some time after his death people started putting "planxty" in front of those names. I have no source for this information other than the statements of others more knowledgeable than I. Online, however, I have read that O'Carolan made up the word. Who knows?

I did find one pretty convincing source on the meaning of the word.The glossary in Celtic Music: A Complete Guide by June Skinner Sawyers (2001) defines "planxty" as a "Praise piece."

John, I knew another tune from Scotland by the name "The Bold Princesse Royal." But the melodyis different. MostAmericans know the melody from the song "Sweet Betsy from Pike" which stole the melody from the earlier Scots tune.

Apologies to Brian for using this forum (which could be titled "Planxty Brian G") to explore etymology instead of praising his fine playing.

Just had a look on wiki and they give it from 'slainte', also from 'phlean an ti' meaning 'from the house of'. The latter fits with the patronage idea, but neither are pronounced anything like Planxty as far as I can tell.
The bigger controversy with this tune(PMMcD) is it's origin. I first learnt it as 'The Bold Princess Royal', an English morris tune and this is often given the upper hand. Or it could be that O'Carolan picked up the tune and gave it the full baroque treatment. Both good tunes either way.

Thank you Mary! My understanding of planxties is the same as John P's: tunes written to honor a patron.

Never been sure either Cheryl, nearest I can figure it's a tune written to honour someone while under their patronage, but it does only seems to be used in referring to O'Carolan.

Mary, I don't think even the music scholars have ever agreed on what planxty means......its associated with O'Carolan tunes.

Thank you Cheryl! :)

Beautiful Brian! Those fast runs were......well......fast!!!! :)

Thank you very much Peter! I appreciate you taking the time to have a listen, and am glad you enjoy the tunes. They are both fun to play. (Though I see I look so serious in this video.) :)

A treat again, Brian - as all your videos are! Your soft and clear playing (even the fast runs) is brilliant!

Thank you Karen!

RN and Val - thanks for your very generous comments! I'm happy you enjoyed the tunes.

Does not get much better than this.Beautiful.

That was great Brian. I don't think I'd heard those 2 before. Stellar playing as always.

Thanks John and Mike!