All you ballad scholars, listen up -- I would appreciate your help. A friend of mine wants to collate a singable version of Child 19, "King Orfeo." We have collected a number of recordings, including one by Frankie Armstrong, one by Alison McMorland, one by Holly Tannen, one by Malinky and one by John Stickle. What I want to know is where the modern singers (McMorland, Tannen and Armstrong) got their words. I have the complete Child (Dover edition in 5 volumes, hardback), which contains only one text and some notes on comparative literature (Scandinavian relations, etc.).Are they making this stuff up? Did they just flesh out the story or have some other versions come to light since Child was published? I don't have Bronson -- can anyone tell me if Bronson has any texts different from Child, or even publish them here, if he does?

I would appreciate leads to other versions, particularly those with good origins notes.

Thank you, Sharyn. You can PM me if you wish.