This discussion of the origins of 'Ashokan Farewell' is interesting. I agree with John in Brisbane that the melody sometimes resembles 'Give Me Your Hand'. However, even more so, the melodic structure is closely similar to the opening bars of 'Sheebeg, Sheemore'. Change the notes a bit and the tunes are the same. I noticed this when I was learning all 3 tunes on the fiddle.

This in no way detracts from Ungar's composition, without which we would not have this beautiful, haunting melody. Jay likely subconsciously borrowed the melodies from the other 2 tunes since these are in his repertoire and both appear (along with Ashokan) on his great fiddle video "The Fiddler's Guide to Waltzes, Aires, and Haunting Melodies". Mr. Ungar is an excellent traditional fiddler and Ashokan Farewell is one of my favorites.

Cruiser
5/01/04