The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #31905   Message #3938563
Posted By: medievallassie
21-Jul-18 - 02:32 AM
Thread Name: Origins: May Morning Dew
Subject: RE: Origins: May Morning Dew
Thank you Jim. I realize that in most cases sean nos is highly ornamented but it is very definitely regional with regard to how much ornamentation is placed in the song. The term sean nos meaning "Old style" is generally more of a nod to being sung without accompaniment which...because it was not embellished with an instrument....became ornamented as a way to interpret the song. When I sing it, it is without accompaniment and it is "somewhat" ornamented but very definitely in the old style. Modal notes and lots of up and downs, lol!

I see your point about it being too late for being a sean nos in English but frankly no one seems to be able to verify its origin so without knowing just how old it is, it's anybody's guess sadly. Unless I can find the information I recalled from years ago, I guess I will just change the introduction of the song to "This is a beautiful song. It's old but that's all I know. I hope you enjoy it." :-) That should work.