Tune Origins: Bar a Bar

Subject: Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Gordon Jackson
Date: 10 May 18 - 12:35 PM

I had such great success with my previous requests for information on the origins of obscure tunes, I thought I'd chance my arm again.

I play a tune called Bar a Bar. I've played it for so long I don't remember whence it came. It's in D minor and I believe it's English. There are a couple of videos on YouTube of it being played and danced, but no info on it.

Does anyone out there know anything about this really nice tune?

Thanks,
Gordon

Subject: RE: Tune Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Anglo
Date: 11 May 18 - 11:31 AM

It comes from Walsh's "24 New Country Dances for the year 1718." I believe Walsh took over the Playford music publishing business, and published the later editions of The Dancing Master. Many of these old tunes have been revived for reconstructions of the original dance or new Playford-style dances.

Subject: RE: Tune Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Gordon Jackson
Date: 12 May 18 - 03:02 AM

Thanks Anglo, do you know if the book is in print?

Subject: RE: Tune Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Gordon Jackson
Date: 12 May 18 - 03:20 AM

Whilst searching for the book I found myself here: www.cdss.org/elibrary/DFIE/Index.htm

And I found a reference to Bar a Bar in The Second Book of the Compleat Country Dancing Master...1719, but naturally enough, no sheet music. I'm sure it must be the same tune, though.

Subject: RE: Tune Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Anglo
Date: 12 May 18 - 11:24 AM

There may be some facsimile edition out there somewhere. Not easy to read. There are a couple of versions with dance demonstrations on YouTube, and the tune is in Peter Barnes' book of English Country Dance Tunes. Are you looking for the dots or just more info about the tune?

Subject: RE: Tune Origins: Bar a Bar
From: Gordon Jackson
Date: 12 May 18 - 01:49 PM

The latter. I know the tune. I just want to know some more about it. You've already been a big help - thanks.