Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'

Subject: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: Lighter
Date: 15 Nov 25 - 01:28 PM

This sprightly tune appears to be rather popular on the fringe of folk. I've been told it's from the 18th century [sic] and is called "Mariah's Wedding" [sic].


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ41YAlj5Og

It obviously isn't "Mairi's Wedding" and I doubt it's even from the 19th century.

It appeared in an elementary piano tune book as "traditional" in 1982. That's the earliest reference I've found.

Does anyone know anything more?

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 15 Nov 25 - 02:03 PM

I like the tune but all I come up with is Mairi's. If nothing pans out here you might make an inquiry at The Session.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: Jack Campin
Date: 21 Nov 25 - 04:19 AM

Sounds a bit like "The Gobby O".

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: pattyClink
Date: 23 Nov 25 - 11:04 AM

That is the harp-iest piano playing I've ever heard. Had to have started life as a harp tune.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 25 - 11:32 AM

I wouldn't have noticed that if you hadn't pointed it out, patty, but I can see what you mean.

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: maeve
Date: 23 Nov 25 - 03:57 PM

Some information here:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/irish-wedding-dance-piano-20410935.html

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Irish Wedding Dance'
From: Lighter
Date: 23 Nov 25 - 05:04 PM

Thanks, Maeve.

It says: "The Irish Wedding Dance is an original piano arrangement of a traditional Irish folk wedding dance by Nicholas Steinbach. The piece is an original composition but has its roots in Irish folk tunes."

So where did Steinbach learn the "traditional" tune? Or does his arrangement (or "original composition"?) merely "have roots in Irish folk tunes."

The music is copyrighted "2017," 35 years after the tune first saw print. So....