“Danny Boy” is a song with a mysterious history. Its lyrics were set to the tune, “Londonderry Air,” a tune whose exact origin and creator is the subject of debate. Even the lyrics to “Danny Boy” are shrouded in mystery; at least one version was written by a member of the Weatherly family, often assumed to have been English lawyer and lyricist Frederic E. Weatherly in 1913, but his sister-in-law Margaret may have sung a version of it to him in 1912, or even set the lyrics to “Londonderry Air” herself. In every case, this cello solo is derived from different versions and verses of the tune. In its three passes at the melody, the cello journeys from a mellow, simple statement to dramatic, chord-filled exclamation and finally to soaring, sweet recollection of the timeless theme.