Downfall Of The Gin three-two

This is a version of Purcell’s “The Abdelazer Rondeau” (q.v.) by the later composer John Ravenscroft, and published in John Walsh’s “Third Book of the Most Celebrated Jigs, Lancashire Hornpipes, Scotch and Highland Lilts (etc)” (1730). The tune’s sheet music is more easily accessible today in John Offord’s “John of the Green, The Cheshire Way” (2008).

This may have been the version used by Benjamin Britten in his “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”. It differs significantly from the Purcell original, and in my opinion is at least as strong, so meriting its own entry in this tune database.

John Offord’s book specifically reminds the reader of Hogarth’s famous print “Gin Lane” of 1751.

Gin! Yes… It is currently having a resurgence of specialist gins, and so far ~ very nice, and some we enjoy neat. I hope it doesn’t lead to our downfall. However, if you prefer it as the old G & T, I highly recommend adding a tangerine. We use old pint tankards and slice up slices of tangerine, one per drink, then the juice of half a lime, and then the gin and tonic. But, if you’re a teetotaler, then just leave out the gin. It’s a delicious and refreshing drink. And no, clementines aren’t as good… 😉

surely F natural not F flat? ( as indicated in the first bar of the last line of the ABC)

Dan, thanks for spotting the typo. I’ve corrected it.