Breakdown (The)

 BREAKDOWN, THE. AKA - "The Break Down." AKA and see "Bocastle Breakdown." English, Scottish; Hornpipe. A Major (Kennedy, Raven): AA'BB' (Kerr). Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. The melody is widespread throughout England, from Cornwall to Northumberland, and it is a favorite in the Scottish country dance reperotory. The 'A' part is shared with Walter Bulwer's "Shipdham Hornpipe." Hans Nathan (Dan Emmett and Negro Minstrelsy, Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1962, p. 93) mentions a 'Breakdown Hornpipe' as an old blackface minstrel dance or series of dance steps, although there may be no connection to this particular tune. American versions can be found under title "Wake Up Susan" and others. Printed source: Kennedy (Fiddlers Tune Book), vol. 1, 1951; No. 23; p. 12. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 268, p. 29. Raven (English Country Dance Tunes), 1984; p. 176. Seattle (Morpeth Rant). Recorded source: Beautiful Jo BEJOCD-36, Dave Shepherd & Becky Price - "Ashburnham."

X:1 T:Break Down M:C| L:1/8 R:Hornpipe S:Kerr - Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 268 (c. 1880's) Z:AK/Fiddler's Companion K:A (3efg | a2A2 AcBA | E2A2 AcBA |1 F2B2 BcBA | GABc defg :|2 GABc defg | aece A2 ||: (3BAG | A2a2A3B | B2b2B3A |1 GABc defg | aefd cABG :|2 GABc defg | a2 ({b}ag) a2 ||

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