Klarinet Archive - Posting 000880.txt from 2000/11

From: "Michael Bryant" <michael@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Lilliburlero
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 02:33:25 -0500

I am sure there are Irish experts on this list who will want to say
something.
I am not one of them, but I happen to have been, in part, involved with the
method of its use at BBC World Service, the signature tune introducing
news bulletins for decades.

Lilliburlero is a 17th century tune that was adopted by the Irish Orangemen
in the 19th century as a song called "The Protestant Boys".
It first appeared in print in 1686 in collection of music for flutes or
recorders
The verses are a satire on the appointment of General Talbot as
Lieutenant of Ireland in 1687 to be found in Percy's
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry"
It is a foolish and far too popular ballad that was not respectful to
Catholics.
The word Lilliburlero is probably nonsense.

Verses 1 and 2

Ho! Broder Teague, dost hear de decree
Lilliburlero, bullen a la
Dat we shall have a new deputie
Lilliburlero bullen a la
Liero, lero, lillibulero, lero, lero, bullen a la

Ho! by Shaint Tyburn it is de Talbote
Lilliburlero etc
And he will cut all de English troate
Lilliburlero etc etc

Attempts have been made to attribute it to Purcell
as it appears with his name attached in a collection
entitled "Musik's Hand Maid, containing the newest
Lessons, Grounds, Sarabands, Minuets and Jiggs,
set forth for the virginals and spinet" 1689. (no words)

MB

William Wright wrote on 28 November 2000 05:44 concerning Lilliburlero

Tonight I was playing a "traditional English melody" named
Lilliburlero, and I couldn't help wondering about the title. Does
anyone know if Lillibulero is a place, a dance, a person, an historical
event, or something else?

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