Annotation:Dolly Varden (2)
X:70 T:Dolly Varden [2], The M:4/4 L:1/8 R:Barndance B:Deloughery - Sliabh Luachra on Parade (1980, No. 70) N:From the playing of Terry Teahan Z:Patrick Cavanagh K:A A>B|c2cB c2 c2 | ecBA F2EF | A2AF A2AB | c2 e2 e2 f2| ceec e2 c2 | BcBA F2EF | A2AB c2ec | B/c/B A2 A2 :| z2|:e2 ec e2 cB | ABcB ABce | f2fa f2af | e2ec B/c/B AB| ceec e2 c2 | BcBA F2EF | A2AB c2ec | B/c/B A2 A4 :||
DOLLY VARDEN [2]. AKA - "Thadelo's," "Thadelo's Barn Dance (2)." Irish; Hornpipe, Barndance (4/4 time). G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. Editor Jackie Small notes the tune was associated with Sliabh Luachra musicians Hannah Sullivan (concertina) and Mickeen Dawley, and that hornpipes[1] of this kind were played for the last figure of a set. The alternate title "Thadelo's" references Thadelo O’Sullivan of Annaghbeg, Gneeveguilla, Sliabh Luahra, who was an influence on accordion player Johnny O’Leary, who absorbed much of his repertory. Sullivan was a multi-instrumentalist, with facility on accordion, melodeon, concertina, whistle and fife.
Some versions of this tune sound very similar to the old American dance standard "Turkey in the Straw," so much so that "Turkey in the Straw" is sometimes used as an alternate title (See Johnny O'Leary's recording). See also the barn dance "Gypsy Princess", which shares a first strain with this tune.
- ↑ The distinction between Sliabh Luachra barn dance tunes and hornpipes is minimal, as both are played in "swung" rhythm.