Bonny Charlie hornpipe

This seems to be a variant of the set dance King of the Faeries.

See https://thesession.org/tunes/475

–James

But which came first ? According to the “Fiddler’s Companion” notes on the tunes :-
“King of the Fairies” appears to be derived from a Jacobite tune called “Bonny Charlie,” appearing in many 18th century Scots and Northern English publications, such as Aird (1783)“.
The “King” would appear to be a variant of “Charlie” – not the other way round.

I learned this tune from the Niel Gow Collection, where it was listed as a Strathspey. I’ve heard it so played on a collection of Scottish tunes. If I can find the album, I’ll list it the recording section.

I’ve used it as the third piece of a set of Scottish tunes: Flowers of Edinburgh + Wind that Shakes the Barley + Bonnie Charlie and end with Flowers again. In my opinion, the change to the minor key in Bonnie Charlie is a bit of a suprise and a delightful little musical trick to pull on the listener after two bright major key tunes.

troisrive