Annotation:Mummer's March (The)

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MUMMER'S MARCH, THE. AKA - "Droghedy March." Irish, March (6/8 time). A Minor. Standard tuning (fiddle). AAB. A march played by the Christmas mummers who at one time (in Ireland, as in England) went from house to house during the Yule time accompanied by musicians, to entertain and beg small presents, usually food or drink. O'Neill (1913) relates:

Each mummer personates an eminent saint, and before the dance begins, these different characters form themselves into a circle, and each in his turn steps forward declaring at the same time his assumed name, country, qualifications and other circumstances, in a kind of rhyme.

See note for "Annotation:Droghedy March" for lengthier discussion.

Source for notated version: Patrick Whelan, Scarawalsh Ballcarney, near Ferns, County of Wexford [O'Neill].

Printed sources: O'Neill (Irish Minstrels and Musicians), 1913; p. 125.

Recorded sources: La Lugh (1st album).

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