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Transcribed from selections from an undated manuscript in the Farne
online collection
Go to ABC file
Go to PDF
of transcription
Transcribed into ABC Music Notation for The Village Music Project
by Peter Dunk from the incomplete manuscript on the Farne website,
so the tune numbering is provisional and shown in square brackets
to indicate this.
There are many fine hornpipes here, some of which are attributed
elsewhere to James Hill.
Notes by Matt Seattle, from the Farne website:-
This tune book was passed to
Jack Armstrong in the early 1990s by a descendant of its
compiler also known as John Nichol. The contents appear to be
mid- to late 19th century, and while Tyneside is the obvious
origin considering the local tunes included, County Durham or
Northumberland are also likely.
Due to limitations on
time and money it was decided not to digitise the whole of this
tune book, but rather to select key pieces from the manuscript.
The selector has naturally followed his own criteria and the
criteria of the FARNE project as he perceives them in choosing
which tunes are 'relevant' or 'important' enough to be digitised
for the website. The compiler of the manuscript, however, makes
no apparent distinction between currently popular dance music -
Polkas, Schottisches, Waltzes, Varsovianas, Quadrilles etc. -
and the material which we perceive as 'traditional' - Jigs,
Hornpipes etc. In some ways a parallel can be drawn with present
day traditional musicians, who, if not actively involved in, are
usually at least aware of, the popular music of the day or of
their youth.
Collection description :
19th century fiddler's tune book compiled by John Nichol
Period : 1841-1860
Height : 25 cm
Width : 19 cm
Held by : Morpeth Chantry
Bagpipe Museum
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