Not "possibly originally written by Purcell", but absolutely and certainly written by Henry Purcell. The tune is his Hornpipe No.8, incidental music Purcell composed in 1695 for the play "Abdelazar." It was then arranged for a Country Dance (The Hole in the wall) and published in an edition of Henry Playford's "Dancing Master" 1698. It stayed in each new edition of the Dancing Master until it ended publication in 1728.
Thanks, Max. Your dedication to internet freedom of speech will be chronicled in history one day. And your contribution to chronicling blues and folfk music is self-evident in the present day. Your work with your website "The Mudcat Cafe" has touched thousands in MANY countries and you deserve every accolade you receive for doing so. Never shook your hand but I am here to pat you on the back and say... thanks, Max.
It's traditional. I gather it was collected by Cecil Sharp from the singing of John Perring of Dartmouth on January 18, 1908; and by Stan Hugill who included it in his Shanties from the Seven Seas. Recorded by many people, including June Tabor, The Watersons and Peter Bellamy. I have to say, though, I've never heard it produced quite like this before! :-)
A great rendition of this lovely Mazurka Alan and Will. It really is a pretty tune and you have certainly brought out the best in it. I shall listen to your video often whilst trying to improve my version. Best wishes, Margarette (an anglo player - I met you last night (3rd April) at RD's house Alan!)
Yes - standard tuning and pitch, though there might be a minute variation from standard pitch in Alan's concertina. I've posted the chords in the "more info" link above. :-)
This composition is attributed to Henry Purcell, but many think it was written by Jeremiah Clarke So just in case the two are fighting up there, after Will's posting I thought I would even up the argument and stop either one spinning in his grave. Al
Interesting! The version of the "Hens March" I saw once was different from Swarb played. There were a whole of succession of clucking notes - but not the A and B themes as played by him. I've just checked the ABC file in the Fiddler's Companion, and there are some vague similarities in the A and none in the B. My guess is that the original tune migrated to "Hens March To The Midden" through a whole series of changes, and then Swarb picked it up. The "folk process" in action! :-)
Will Fiddler's Companion site gives Hen's March from a pantomime , Fortunatus, at Drury Lane in 1753 but says trumpet marches were very popular around London at the time So looks like Jeremiah did the catchy phrase first! hen's march hung on i Shetland and swarb did it with Martin Carthy then Fairport Convention etc Mike
