Annotation:Honeymoon (Country Dance)

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 HONEYMOON [3], THE. Scottish, English; Reel. D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. Composition credited to Jas. Young by Kerr. Young is identified by Barry Callaghan (2007) as the son of a fiddle maker in Montrose and leader of the Aberdeen Theatre Royal orchestra. However, he was not born until 1815 and manuscript appearances of the melody predate his birth. For example, it appears in the music manuscript book of pianist Ann Winnington (New York, 1810) and Mary Richards (Wales, 1787, appearing as "Mis Mel"). It can also be found in the 19th century musicians' manuscript collections of James Haslingden (Midlands?, 1827), Docker, John Hall (Northumberland, 1833), Richard Pyle (Nether Wallop, Hampshire, 1822), William Calvert (Leyburn, north Yorkshire, 1812), Rev. Robert Harrison (Brampton, Cumbria, 1820), the Welch family manuscripts (Bosham, Sussex), and an anonymous manuscript from Carlisle, Cumbria, of 1810. The tune is contained in the 19th century Joseph Kershaw Manuscript. Kershaw was a fiddle player who lived in the remote area of Slackcote, Saddleworth, North West England, who compiled his manuscript from 1820 onwards, according to Jamie Knowles.  Source for notated version:  Printed sources: Callaghan (Hardcore English), 2007; p. 37. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 2, c. 1880's; No. 146, p. 17. Knowles (The Joseph Kershaw Manuscript), 1993; No. 44. Stewart-Robertson (The Athole Collection), 1884; p. 118. Wilson (Companion to the Ballroom), 1816; p. 111.  Recorded sources: EFDSS CD13, Nic and Mary Barber - "Hardcore English" (2007. Various artists).

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