Annotation:Twin Sisters (5)



Sheet Music for "Twin Sisters [5]"Twin Sisters [5]ReelBook: Hubbard – Folk Songs of Old New England (1939, p. 115)Source: Harry E. Brigham, Marlboro, Massachusetts, who played the tuneand called the changes.Notes: The seven-measure 2nd strain is probably a mistake in Hubbard’stranscription since the tune would need to be ‘square’ for dancing.Transcription: AK/Fiddler’s Companion



TWIN SISTERS [5]. AKA ‑ "Farewell to Whiskey (1). American, Reel (2/4 time). A Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. "Twin Sisters [5]" is a version of Scottish fiddler-composer Niel Gow's popular "Farewell to Whiskey (1)," which has seen service as a country dance tune for centuries. In New England it is linked with the dance entitled Twin Sister, named for one of the figures of the dance in which two women chaise. Collector Eloise Hubbard Linscott suggested: "It is possible that this dance comes from 'The Twins', and English country dance found in Playford's Dancing Master, published in 1707."


Additional notes
Source for notated version : - Harry Brigham (Marlboro, Mass.) [Linscott]. Linsott's informant Brigham (1862-1939) was a noted regional musician and dance caller whose ‘orchestra’ is mentioned in newspaper items[1] as early as 1892. He remained active for decades and his dances were remembered for their decorum and the skill of his prompting.

Printed sources : - Linscott (Folk Songs of Old New England), 1939; p. 115.






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  1. His passing was noted by The Courier-Gazette of Rockland, Maine, Feb. 25, 1939, and his dances fondly recalled in that area.