Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór, also written variously as Sí Beag, Sí Mór or Shi Bhig Shi Mhor (meaning "Small Fairy, Big Fairy" from the word 'Sí' for 'fairy' in Irish Gaelic) is an Irish tune.
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Origins
It is usually attributed to blind harpist and singer Turlough Carolan (1670-1738) as his first composition, which he wrote to the tune of "The Bonnie Cuckoo". One author describes it as a "beautiful old Irish air, usually played simply and leisurely, and occasionally played as a waltz".
Recordings
In modern times, it was recorded by many artists, initially by Planxty on their 1973 debut album Planxty, and by The Chieftains in 1975, on their The Chieftains 5 album (as part of their suite: "The Humours of Carolan"). It was performed live on numerous occasions by Fairport Convention, who also recorded it as a single in 1985, and whose fiddler Dave Swarbrick used to showcase it live in his touring partnership with Simon Nicol. It is commonly played on the fiddle and is also a favourite of various finger-style guitarists, including Tony McManus and Pierre Bensusan.