Simply said, but gratefully expressed: "Thank you!!!" This is the best breakdown and explanation of "Bonapart's..." that I've come across. I don't read music or tablature, and I was able to pick it up quickly. Again, thank you!
Wow this is just what I was looking for! I’m very glad you took time to show the DDAD tuning in a little detail. That has been my main reason for procrastinating. I do have a second fiddle that I’ve been meaning to use for alternate tunings. And you also talked about which strings are played, which was a little confusing when I was learning by ear. I also heard all these different versions and could hardly believe they were the same tune, so the explanation and demonstration of all three together was enlightening.
Glad you found it useful. In the past I have written out cross tuning as fingered rather than heard. This is good for sight reading or for classical players, but I now think the way I have presented it hear is the best way to learn and understand the tune in cross tuning.
Many thanks for a complete explanation of these three versions, including historical context. I'm not a fiddle player, rather a student of the harmonica with an interest in learning fiddle tunes; I can stumble through these versions on a D harp but I had not recognized the distinctions between the original and Thomasson versions, and of course the drone you achieve with DDAD tuning is far beyond anything I can squeak out of a Hohner Marine Band. Nevertheless your explanation and examples here are very helpful.
Very nice! This was more than what I expected. I played in a small group of players and we always played the sung version which has more of a swing beat to it.
This DDAD version is a bit fast for the march tempo, as John Specker plays it. I like the bagpipe sound more than the standard tuned version. It does have that durge march sound. Paul Kirk plays an interesting reel version as well. Worth checking out as well. This is a real workhorse of a tune with many interesting variations. A great tune in any form, in my opinion. Bob
Mr. John Specker claims it was originally played as a durge, by the Irish soldiers who were defeated by the British at Waterloo. They weren't going to be treated very well by the victorious Brits -- hense , the durge format. Very "bagpipey" sounding, his version, with those open D notes and drones. Worth checking out, if you don't know of it. Cheers, folks. Bob
I’ve played fiddle for a long time but I don’t understand the execution of a “double cut”. Could you please post a video explains how it’s done. Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you very much, I've recently discovered your excellent videos! It was interesting and very helpful to see the different versions compared. There's also John Specker's more rhythmic/driving take on Benny Thomasson's version ua-cam.com/video/-V-9rE005a4/v-deo.html which sounds like they're going into battle then retreating.
Thank you. All three are beautifully played.
Simply said, but gratefully expressed: "Thank you!!!" This is the best breakdown and explanation of "Bonapart's..." that I've come across. I don't read music or tablature, and I was able to pick it up quickly. Again, thank you!
Thanks John, I appreciate the comments!
Awesome video. Love the history behind the songs.
Thanks Michael. This one certainly has a fascinating and twisted story!
Wow this is just what I was looking for! I’m very glad you took time to show the DDAD tuning in a little detail. That has been my main reason for procrastinating. I do have a second fiddle that I’ve been meaning to use for alternate tunings. And you also talked about which strings are played, which was a little confusing when I was learning by ear. I also heard all these different versions and could hardly believe they were the same tune, so the explanation and demonstration of all three together was enlightening.
Glad you found it useful. In the past I have written out cross tuning as fingered rather than heard. This is good for sight reading or for classical players, but I now think the way I have presented it hear is the best way to learn and understand the tune in cross tuning.
Thank you very much! Very much appreciated.
Many thanks for a complete explanation of these three versions, including historical context. I'm not a fiddle player, rather a student of the harmonica with an interest in learning fiddle tunes; I can stumble through these versions on a D harp but I had not recognized the distinctions between the original and Thomasson versions, and of course the drone you achieve with DDAD tuning is far beyond anything I can squeak out of a Hohner Marine Band. Nevertheless your explanation and examples here are very helpful.
Hi Sam, glad you enjoyed this!
Very nice! This was more than what I expected. I played in a small group of players and we always played the sung version which has more of a swing beat to it.
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the request!
My favourite version is the way Old Glory Molly play it when performing "Nelson's Revenge".
Thanks, this was really helpful. Very much appreciated.
Thanks Mike!
even thou first time i listened it was from a chilean fiddler, then Ally Bain, I really like the third version, awesome
Thanks!
Check out Mark O'Connor's recording where he combines Midnight on the Water and Bonapare's Retreat.
This DDAD version is a bit fast for the march tempo, as John Specker plays it. I like the bagpipe sound more than the standard tuned version. It does have that durge march sound. Paul Kirk plays an interesting reel version as well. Worth checking out as well. This is a real workhorse of a tune with many interesting variations. A great tune in any form, in my opinion. Bob
Mr. John Specker claims it was originally played as a durge, by the Irish soldiers who were defeated by the British at Waterloo. They weren't going to be treated very well by the victorious Brits -- hense , the durge format. Very "bagpipey" sounding, his version, with those open D notes and drones. Worth checking out, if you don't know of it. Cheers, folks. Bob
Yes, Bob. I found that You Tube of John Specker!
I’ve never heard the first version, and I love it. Where can I find the sheet music shown in the background?
Hi. Send me an email to the address at the bottom of the description, and I'll send you the pdf.
I’ve played fiddle for a long time but I don’t understand the execution of a “double cut”. Could you please post a video explains how it’s done. Thank you 🙏🏻
Hi Adam. I recently did a video on the single and double cut; ua-cam.com/video/DgMsy2djuMY/v-deo.html
Thank you very much, I've recently discovered your excellent videos! It was interesting and very helpful to see the different versions compared. There's also John Specker's more rhythmic/driving take on Benny Thomasson's version ua-cam.com/video/-V-9rE005a4/v-deo.html which sounds like they're going into battle then retreating.
Hi Benjamin. Thanks, that's a great version!