The Abdelazer Rondeau three-two

A strong, rousing 3/2 by Purcell, which he composed in 1695 as part of the incidental music for the play Abdelazer or The Moor’s Revenge by Aphra Behn written in 1676. Benjamin Britten in the 20th century used the tune as the basis for his The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
It is a 5-part dance tune. Part A is in D minor, and is identical to parts C and E (but without repeats). Accompanists on harmony instruments should be aware that Part B is in F major, and part D is in A minor, the final chord of this part being A major.
There are many opportunities for ornamentation, as would have been done naturally in the 17th century.

In an Irish session ?

Why not? We’re eclectic in most of our sessions where I live, and there are 64 other three-twos in the database here, not all of them Irish.

This is a BRILLIANT 3/2 hornpipe!! Hey, great stuff can come from anywhere 🙂

This tune is related to “Downfall of the Gin”, tune #12250

Now I remember where I heard it before : Britten’s introduction to the orchestra..,
https://youtu.be/IMGqdUqPnmo

play video

Correct’young person’s guide’
Which if I’d read the notes above I would have seen!