|
Date: |
|
Description: | WIlliam Dixon recorded this tune early. This version is very similar, with all of Dixon's six strains, though not quite in the same order, plus an extra two, with details varying a little between the strains common to both. The tune continued to expand (a little) in the 19th century - for a fuller account see Matt Seattle's article in the 1997 Northumbrian Pipers' Society Magazine. This is another tune which also features in Robert Riddell's collection, and Riddell's Note there is very interesting. - 'This is a Border air, and from the spirit of the Tune, seems to have been composed for the Northumberland, or small Bagpipe; very capital performers upon this instrument are to be found upon the English Border chiefly owing to the partiality shewn to it, by the Duke's of Northumberland, who grant to the Best performers, the liberty of wearing a silver crescent; which is called the Dukes Badge, and the Pipers who wear it, are called the Dukes pipers.' [sic]It is curious that in 1733 WIlliam Dixon described his version as 'The New Way', a possible explanation being that 'The Old Way' had the opening strain found in Riddell's, John Bell's, and Cornelius Stanton's versions. This strain has the same melodic material as strain 1 of Lads Of Alnwick; the conjecture is supported by Cornelius Stanton's calling this version the 'original', as well as by Dixon's placing of the tune next to Lads Of Alnwick. Whichever way it is played, it is a great tune, though not quite 'cut and dry'.The tune forms part of 'Peacock's Tunes' a collection originally entitled 'A Favorite Collection of Tunes with Variations adapted for the Northumberland small pipes, violin or flute' and was 'Printed by W. WRIGHT at His Music Shop, High Bridge'. John Peacock's name does not appear as editor or author, but the book includes 'A Compleat Drawing of J. Peacock's New Invented Pipe Chanter', and it is accepted that, as one of the best smallpipers of his time, Peacock is responsible for the music, or most of it. - It has been plausibly argued that Wright may have contributed some of the shorter tunes. No date appears in the book, but c. 1800-1805 is generally agreed. To read more about the rest of the collection click the link below. To read more about the collection click the link below. ; Early nineteenth century tunebook, arranged and composed by John Peacock | Rights holder: | rights holder : Society of Antiquaries | Temporal: | start=1801;end=1840; | Source: | Folk Archive Resource North East | Identifier: | farne:K0101902 | Go to resource |
|
|