The song is charming and beautiful and again, illustrates nicely Claire’s willingness to accept her current circumstances even as she remains determined to return to the future. The traditional wool waulking song that Claire sings with the ladies is called “Mo Nighean Donn” - which, as we learn later in Episode 7 “The Wedding” is Gaelic for “My Brown Haired Lass.” Knowing that this was to become one of Jamie’s “pet names” for Claire, Toni thought the song might be a nice little “Easter Egg” for viewers. They are added scenes, not in the book, but I think a very welcome addition as we see Claire try to embrace Highland life and make the best of being on the road with the motley MacKenzie crew. Bear has said that he and Episode 5 writer, Toni Graphia, spoke at length about these scenes and how they were to play out. We hear the Highlanders sing traditional traveling songs as they make their way through the countryside collecting rents and then the songs of the waulking group that Claire happens upon. Some of the most authentic Scottish folk music you will hear in Season 1 is in this Episode.
#OUTLANDER SEASON 1 CAST SERIES#
Working my way up from #10 to my #1 favorite, I start with a series of songs from Episode 5 “Rent” - the Wool Waulking Songs. So, here is my tribute to Bear and the Outlander Soundtrack as I count-down my Top Ten Musical Moments of Outlander Season 1. That passion is inherent in his music and he makes me BELIEVE. The man is a genius, really, and so passionate about his art.
Talk about the “feels.” Wow! I still, to this day - and no matter if it’s the first or the 50th time I have viewed an episode - suck in my breath, feel my eyes well up and gulp…hard…at certain points in the Series during one of Bear’s magnificent compositions. But, one thing that has absolutely knocked me off my feet is the amazing Outlander Series soundtrack composed and arranged by Bear McCreary. For someone who considers myself sort of “together” and not a particularly emotional or sentimental person, these emotions have surprised me to no end. I’ve also experienced a wide range of emotions while reading and watching the STARZ Television Series. I laugh (a lot!) at Diana Gabaldon’s witty dialogue in the Book Series and, at times, I cry - bitter, sad and sometimes even happy tears. My obsession with all things Outlander runs deep.