The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #98210   Message #4226781
Posted By: Nick Dow
05-Aug-25 - 02:10 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Matt Hyland
Subject: RE: Origins: Matt Hyland
It is always a bit difficult to pin down a melody into a definitive tune family, if such a thing actually exists. That said Matt Hyland seems to be in the same melodic area as tunes associated with Child 100 Willie O'Winsbury. The Irish version 'The Rich Ship owners daughter is a good Example. Matt Hyland is an A-A-B-A tune and so is The Rich ship owner. This does not provide any certainty of course, but a comparison of the opening cadences does suggest a similarity. Bronson might tell us more if anybody feels persuaded to trawl through the tunes. No doubt the melodic trail does not stop there, and equally the tune may have similarities to tunes in other areas. Melodically Matt Hyland does not follow the Irish A-B-B-A pattern that crops up again and again with the 'Love is a killing thing' tune championing the family often referred to as the 'Irish Come all ye' melodies. This is what makes me think it may derive from an older melody, and possibly have an Art Music origin prior to Child 100. Not sure this helps and I am open to any other ideas