Some of the most familiar tunes in the canon of Manx music have been included in a new book, released by a well-known Manx figure.

Piano teacher and composer Frank Woolley has published ’Eisht as Nisht 2’, which translates as ’Then & Now 2’, which is his second book of music.

It contains 43 traditional Manx melodies, including airs, dances, hymns, sea songs and seasonal carvals.

The book follows on from the first ’Eisht as Nisht’ book, which came out in 2007, and featured 64 songs, and has become the staple book for learning to play Manx music on the piano.

Frank’s new volume includes arrangements of such tunes as Baase Illiam Dhone , or the Death of Illiam Dhone, Arrane y Chlean, or the Cradle Song, Ny Kirree fo Niaghtey, which translates as The Sheep under the Snow, Mylecharaine, Brig Lily, Berrey Dhone and the well-known revivalist hymn The Good Old Way.

’I hope to have brought out the individual character of each tune, and presented it in a way that suits the instrument and is enjoyable to play,’ said Frank of his latest collection.

Frank is a familiar face on the island’s music scene. As well as being a long-time official accompanist at the guild, he has been teaching piano for 35 years.

He began composing music age of 12, when he was a chorister at Lincoln Cathedral.

He has also arranged many traditional tunes for Culture Vannin books and other publications, and has most recently contributing to ’Celebration & Contemplation’, Manx Traditional and Original Music for Church Organ.

Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, said that Frank’s latest book has helped to reinvigorate some of the older Manx songs, especially some of the more unknown tunes.

’This new book brings together some well-known Manx favourites like ’Sheep under the Snow’ and ’The Goodnight Song’ and places them alongside beautiful airs and melodies rarely heard today,’ said Breesha.

’New life is breathed into the tunes, collected in the island during the 19th and 20th centuries, through what are exquisite arrangements’.

’Eisht as Nisht 2’, along with the original ’Eisht as Nisht’ book, are available from the Lexicon Bookshop, Douglas, Bridge Bookshop,Ramsey and Presence of Mann, at the Laxey Woollen Mills.