Klarinet Archive - Posting 000038.txt from 2004/07

From: ormondtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: [kl] The answer (was: Lilliebolero)
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2004 02:09:37 -0400

This is the sort of thing that, sometimes, can make history so
fascinating. I wish I had the time and resources to fill in the
missing details.

The original "Lilliburlero" was (depending on whom you choose to
believe) perhaps a traditional Irish jig, which should be performed in
the 'traditional' dance patterns, or perhaps it is a set of lyrics added
by an Englishman to a Purcell composition.

Several web pages say that "Lilliburlero" is a Anglicized
mispronunciation of the Celtic words: "An lile ba l=E9ir =E9 ba linn an
l=E1", which means "the lily was triumphant and we won the day",
referring to a battle of some sort.

Anyway.... apparently both Ireland and England laid claim to
"Lilliburlero" as their own song, and it became a semi-nationalistic
issue, perhaps because of the battle.

The BBC finally selected Lilliburlero as the introduction to their world
news broadcasts during WW II. A Google search turned up hints (only
hints) that someone in the BBC encouraged this choice as a piece of
one-up-manship over Ireland.

You can hear Lilliburlero on a Chieftains CD (An Irish Evening)
**BUT** the CD liner spells the title "Lillie Bolero". I listened to
the Chieftains' recording. Sinatra's recording _is_ the same melody
but in a completely different meter, no longer a jig, sufficient changes
in phrasing that you need to listen carefully, and the lyrics are about
a love affair in Napoli, Italy.

Since the Chieftains' recording is more modern than Sinatra's, not vice
versa, it leaves room to wonder who did what with which version?

The final note of interest --- for me, at least -- is that I remembered
playing this melody myself, but I couldn't figure when or where.
Eventually I found it in a beginner clarinet book ("50 Favorite Melodies
for Grades 1-2") in 6/8 meter.

So the song has made quite a trip before it finally lodged in the
recesses of my memory.

....okay, now I can go to sleep....

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