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  • More Airs for Pairs

More Airs for Pairs

Catalogue No: AD102

This book of duets contains a further twenty one tunes from around the British Isles of core repertoire which the editor, Matt Seattle, feels should have a place in the repertoire of all musicians who reside in these Islands, plus some interesting older tunes as well as more recent music composed in traditional idioms. The balance in this book is weighted a little more in favour of the slower tunes.

£4.37

Like its companion, AIRS FOR PAIRS, this book contains twenty-one tunes from Britain and Ireland. The first book contains some of the most popular traditional tunes which, the editor feels, should have a place in the repertoire of all musicians who reside in these islands, whatever their chosen specialisation. This second book contains more of this core repertoire, but also has some interesting older tunes as well as some more recent music composed in traditional idioms. The balance here is weighted a little more in favour of the slower tunes - for no particular reason. As in the first book the harmonies have been written not to be easy or difficult, but to be musical. I would like to thank Stewart Hardy for playing them all through with me and making many valuable suggestions which I have been pleased to include.

Suggested bowings are included in the arrangements. These will work perfectly well, but there are of course other possibilities, and personal familiarity with one or another of the native idioms is always a better guide than written instructions. The music is playable on instruments other than violin, and some of the tunes derive specifically from piping and harping, as well as fiddling traditions.

It is possible that more volumes in the series will appear in due course, and I am happy to receive comments about the present books and suggestions for future additions to the series. There is no reason to play harmonies to traditional tunes other than enjoyment of the result, and if any enjoyment results from the use of these duets, then the arranger will be more than repaid for his time.

Using the Arrangements

There are many ways of using the written arrangements for performance. They can be played through from beginning to end with harmony, but the usual way is to play the tune once through (with any repeats indicated) solo or in unison, and then repeat it with one player taking the harmony line, giving the listener a chance to get aquainted with the tune before the harmony is added. The tune can be played again if desired with the players swapping parts. Medleys of the tunes with the same or contrasting tempos can be put together if required, but each tune will stand on its own also. Chords are given for all the tunes, but these are an optional addition as the arrangements will work perfectly well without accompaniment, though less experienced players may find it helpful to have some rhythmic support.

 

Contents

 

Banish Misfortune
The Blackthorn Stick
Nonesuch
Portsmouth
The Hens’ March
The Banks of the Tyne
The Boys of Bluehill
Off to California

The Hesleyside Reel
The Flowers of Edinburgh
The Dinnington Rant
Enrico
Danny Boy
The Hole in the Wall
The Bishop of Bangor’s Jig
The Roving Pedlar

Carolan’s Draught
SleepSoond Ida Moarnin
Lindisfarne
Elizabeth’s Waltz
Farewell to Whisky

AD102