The songs of the British Isles are considerably diversified, owing to the mingling of various races, and differences of physical geography. The songs of England, on the whole, are less wild and introspective than those of Ireland or Scotland. They breathe the sweetness of the countryside, the freshness of the morning, the gaiety of the peasant folk. They have a healthy jollity and sturdiness bespeaking the vigor and sanity of the English people. "Down Among the Dead Men" is an old English drinking-song of which the composer is unknown. It was printed early in the eighteenth century and was probably introduced in one of the ballad-operas popular about 1728. The air is believed to be over two hundred years old, and is an excellent specimen of the straightforward, "square-toed" quality of much English folk-music.
" Down Among the Dead Men "
Sung by Miles Bracewell
Columbia Record A 5603
An example of the gentler type of English song, distinguished by tender sentiment and an exquisite refinement of melody, is afforded by the beautiful air to which Ben Jonson set the words, "Drink to me only with thine eyes." Seldom has a folk-air been more happily mated to a poetic text. The melody appears to be at least as old as that of "Down Among the Dead Men," and its authorship, also, is unknown.
" Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes "
Sung by Walter Wheatley Columbia Record A 1718
Sung by David Bispham Columbia Record A 5132
Played by W. H. Squire, cellist, and Hamilton .
Harty, pianist Columbia Record A 5832
Played by Taylor Trio Columbia Record A 2142
The simple, naïve harmony, the apple-cheeked gaiety of English folk-dances are admirably illustrated by the melodies which have been collected and harmonized, with sensitive feeling and musicianship, by Cecil J. Sharpe. The country dance, in days gone by, was the social recreation of the peasantry over the whole country-side. Thanks largely to the efforts of Mr. Sharpe, it is
being revived in England, and practised as a means of healthful recreation in the United States.
"Sellenger's Round" is a melody of great antiquity. It was arranged for Queen Elizabeth by her music-teacher, Doctor Byrd. Its original name appears to have been "Saint Leger's Round" or "The beginning of the world." It was very popular in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and its beauty and vigor are felt when it is played to-day.
" Sellenger's Round," " Rufty-Tufty," " Sweet Kate "
Played by Prince's Orchestra
Columbia Record A 3065
"Three Meet or The Pleasure of the Town," and " Row Well,
Ye Mariners "
Played by Prince's Orchestra
Columbia Record A 3064
