Annotation:Ace and Deuce of Pipering (1)

The title refers to the highest quality of performance on the Uillean pipes, and is taken from playing cards, where "ace high" is the pinicle card of the game. The tune was considered by antiquarian P.W. Joyce (1873) to be "the perfection of music when well played on the bag-pipes, and its correct performance was believed to be a sufficient test of the instrumental skill of a piper" {Joyce). Joyce, who transcribed the melody in 1853 from the whistling of John Dolan (Glenosheen, County Limerick) specifies hornpipe time for the melody.

Print Sources: Cotter (Traditional Irish Tin Whistle), 1989; 89. Howe (1000 Jigs and Reels), c. 1867; pg. 26. Joyce (Ancient Irish Music), 1873/1890; No. 14, pg. 15. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 8, pg. 111. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 224. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1781, pg. 333. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 956, pg. 164. Reavy (The Music of Corktown). Vallely (Learn to Play Tin Whistle with the Armagh Pipers Club), vol. 3; 30.

Recordings: Columbia 35612, "The Chieftains" (1978. Piper Sean Keane incorporates "remnants of what is thought to be an old version of the tune as played by Gareth Barry").