"The Musical Priest" is a popular Irish reel, often played at traditional music sessions. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it’s known by several names, including "The New Bridge of Eden" and "The New Bridge of Erin." It has also been linked to a Scottish strathspey called "The North Bridge of Edinburgh."

Key and Variations:

The tune is typically played in B minor. However, it has been played in other keys, including E minor and G minor. Fiddler Tommy Peoples is known to have played it in E minor, which some find pleasing. Liz Carroll performs a version in G minor. There is speculation that Eliot Grasso prefers playing it in A minor.

Musical Structure:

The tune presents a challenge for players due to a jump between notes. Specifically, the transition from a mid B to a high B can be tricky, requiring careful finger placement. The second part of the tune shares a familiar phrase found in other reels in the key of A. Some versions feature a distinctly different third part.

Common Set Combinations:

"The Musical Priest" is frequently played as part of a set with other tunes. Common pairings include:

• A D major tune like “My Love is in America” or “The Wise Maid,” followed by an A major tune.
• "The Roscommon Reel," "Boil the Breakfast Early."
• "Jenny's Chickens."
• "The Drunken Landlady" and "Otter's Holt."
• "Mountain Road."
• "Battle of Aughrim," "Castle Kelly."
• "The Gravel Walks."
• "Jean’s Reel."
• "The High Reel."
• "The Bucks of Oranmore."
• "The Silver Spear" and "The Earl’s Chair."
• "Farrell O’Gara."

Possible Connections:

There's speculation that "The Musical Priest" might be related to the American “old-time” tune "The Fall(s) of Richmond." There's also a reported, but unconfirmed, connection to a tune called "Broom of the Cowdenknowes," though this version is not widely recognized.

Notable Performances and Recordings:

The tune has been performed by many musicians, including:

• The Chieftains
• Sweeney’s Buttermilk
• Celtic Spring Band
• The Dubliners
• Jordi Savall and Andrew Lawrence-King
• Graham Wells
• Andy McGann and Paddy Reynolds

It is also featured on recordings by James Morrison, and is found in collections like *Ceol Rince na hÉireann III*, the Gunn Book (Fermanagh 1865), and Breathnach’s collection.

Disclaimer: Some details regarding origins and connections are based on forum discussions and may remain unconfirmed.