Gypsy music in Shetland

29 Aug 09 - 08:34 PM (#2711815)
Subject: Gypsy music in Shetland
From: Jack Campin

While tinkering around with my modes totorial
http://www.campin.me.uk/Music/Modes/
I came across a weird coincidence.

  X:0
  T:Da Scallowa Lasses
  G:Shetland reel
  M:C|
  L:1/8
  Q:1/2=104
  K:ADor
  Aa-af    efed|cdef gagd|Aa-af efed|cABG A2BG |
  Aa-af    efed|cdef gagd|Aa-af efed|cABG A2A2||
  BE (3EEE c2cA|dedB gfed|ea-ag efed|cABG A2A2:|
  
  X:0
  T:Magyaroska
  S:S. Balogh, Moldvai Hangszeres Dallamok, Etnofon, 2001
  M:2/4
  L:1/8
  Q:1/4=192
  K:AMin
  A2 a2|a g2 f/e/|defd|   e c2 B |
  AA ag|a g2 f/e/|defd|[1 e2  e2:|\
                       [2 ee ^fg||
  gf`ed|d c2 B/A/|BGAB|   cd``e^f|
  gf`ed|d c2 B   |GABG|   A2  A2:|

I'd say they are simply variants of the same tune; I think just about anybody would see them as similar. But they're from opposite ends of Europe: one from Shetland and the other from eastern Romania (and fairly widespread in greater Hungary).

The sharpened leading notes in the Magyaroska suggest possible Gypsy influence to me, and if Gypsy musicians ever travelled to Shetland that might explain it. Did they?

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30 Aug 09 - 12:26 PM (#2712197)
Subject: RE: Gypsy music in Shetland
From: Jim McLean

Jack, we know the Swedes travelled extensively in Europe so maybe they brought the melody back. They used Turks and all types from what was Bohemia/Magyars as mercenaries in the Swedish army during the 17th century wars in Germany. A link, possibly.

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