Grimstock: how old?

Subject: Grimstock: how old?
From: Stower
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 06:23 PM

I am in the middle of arranging the tune, Grimstock, which Playford published (in 1651, I think), and which first appeared on paper, as far as I can tell, in Matthew Holmes' handwritten cittern book (in Cambridge University Library, ms. Dd.4.23) of c.1595.

Does anyone have an earlier date for the appearance of this tune? Or can confirm that c.1595 is the earliest date?

(A long shot, I know, but there are some very knowledgable people on Mudcat, so I'm hoping).

Stower

Subject: RE: Grimstock: how old?
From: Stower
Date: 06 Sep 09 - 01:29 PM

Ah well, it was worth a shot. I thought someone interested in the folk / early music overlap may know. I'll take it that c.1595 is the earliest known date, as I can't find any evidence to the contrary.

Unless anyone knows different?

Subject: RE: Grimstock: how old?
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 06 Sep 09 - 04:40 PM

Seems to be the earliest. Dd.5.78.3 is similar in date, but probably slightly later.

Mick

Subject: RE: Grimstock: how old?
From: Tootler
Date: 06 Sep 09 - 05:15 PM

As far as I have been able to find, info on the origins of tunes in early editions of Playford is somewhat vague. Statements like:

"The tunes were first Published in the [1651] edition of Playford but most were much older, many dating back to the previous century"

Are typical.