The Cliffs of Moher is a traditional Irish session tune that captures the grandeur and rugged beauty of the iconic cliffs. Its melody is characterized by a steady, driving rhythm, often played in the key of A dorian.
The tune’s opening phrase is particularly memorable, with its ascending scale and subsequent descending arpeggio evoking the soaring cliffs and crashing waves. The B part of the tune often introduces a contrasting melody, perhaps with a minor key or a slower tempo, creating a sense of tension and release. The overall mood of “The Cliffs of Moher” is one of both awe and melancholy, reflecting the dramatic and often somber landscape it celebrates.