"Lillibullero" is a march attributed to Henry Purcell that became popular in England during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The melody is found in the second half of Purcell's piece, the quickstep, but it is disputed whether Purcell composed the melody or only fitted the bass. The tune was first published in 1686 in The Delightful Companion, a method book for recorder. Thomas, Lord Wharton composed lyrics for the tune in 1686, satirizing King James II's appointment of Richard Talbot as Lord Deputy of Ireland. The song initially made little impression on the public, but when James II began transferring Irish regiments to England in 1688, "Lillibullero" became immensely popular as a street song in English towns, especially inside English barracks to mock the arriving Irish regiments. It even spread to palace guards supposedly loyal to James II. The song became even more popular when William of Orange invaded, with a second part being published as William advanced. Many alternate versions cropped up during these tumultuous days, with one anti-Dutch parody being in circulation by November. Today, Lillibullero is the official Regimental March of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
14 янв 2023
