Bonaparte's Retreat - 3 versions (fiddle lesson)
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- In this fiddle lesson I demonstrate three versions of the tune "Bonaparte's Retreat" . Firstly the slow Aly Bain version, from the Transatlantic Sessions. Secondly the faster, Benny Thomasson version, using GDAD or "dead man's tuning". Finally the William Stepp version, which was incorporated into Aaron Copeland's "Rodeo". I discuss the origins of Bonaparte's Retreat, and suggest some fiddle ornamentation.
Below are details of further fiddle resources from Chris Haigh
1. Patreon
2. Books
3. Subscription video courses
4. Website
5. Email to request pdf’s.
1. PATREON
This is a platform where anyone can directly help to support creative artists and get closer access to their work. You can join me on Patreon at three levels, for £4, £10 or £40 per month.
At the lowest level you get access to all my pdf’s and tune collections, plus many exclusive tuition videos not available to the public.
At level 2 you can join also me once a month for a group Zoom chat, and can request three backing tracks each month.
Level 3 gives you all the above plus a free lesson once a month, and access to all my backing tracks.
You can find me on Patreon at
/ thefiddlechannel
2. BOOKS
I have eight fiddle tuition books published by Schott, all widely available from the publisher, from Amazon, and many other outlets. All come with audio tracks illustrating the tunes and exercises.
Exploring Jazz Violin
Beginning Jazz Violin
Discovering Rock Violin
Exploring Folk Fiddle
Exploring Klezmer Fiddle
Hungarian Fiddle Tunes
French Fiddle Tunes
Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle
You can order from
bit.ly/31ZWmgm
3. VIDEO SUBSCRIPTION COURSES
I have three video subscription courses
-
MUSIC GURUS- Exploring Jazz Violin. Based on my Schott book
Parts 1 and 2 are each £26 for 26 lessons, covering the first and second halves of the book
Part 1; tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
Part 2 tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book
£35 for 46 lessons
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle. Based on my Schott book. 31 lessons for £31.99
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
ACADEMY OF FOLK
Includes a folk fiddle primer course, with introductions to basic techniques and concepts plus an Irish Fiddle Course and Scottish fiddle course. A monthly sub of $9.99 gives access to all lessons
academyoffolk....
4. WEBSITE
My website is probably the most extensive and detailed summary of fiddle styles on the web, as evidenced by the range of top hits on Google for many fiddle styles.
www.fiddlingaround.co.uk
____________________________________________________________
TO REQUEST PDF’S, or ask any questions, CONTACT ME AT
haighchris@hotmail.com
Check out Mark O'Connor's recording where he combines Midnight on the Water and Bonapare's Retreat.
Thank you very much! Very much appreciated.
My favourite version is the way Old Glory Molly play it when performing "Nelson's Revenge".
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
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.
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!
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!
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 ruclips.net/video/-V-9rE005a4/видео.html which sounds like they're going into battle then retreating.
Hi Benjamin. Thanks, that's a great version!
Thank you. All three are beautifully played.
Awesome video. Love the history behind the songs.
Thanks Michael. This one certainly has a fascinating and twisted story!
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!
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; ruclips.net/video/DgMsy2djuMY/видео.html
even thou first time i listened it was from a chilean fiddler, then Ally Bain, I really like the third version, awesome
Thanks!
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.
Thanks, this was really helpful. Very much appreciated.
Thanks Mike!
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!