Annotation:Cumnock Fair

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CUMNOCK FAIR. Scottish, Strathspey. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AA'B. The tune is attributed to fiddler-composer Biography:John French (c. 1753-c. 1803), of Cumnock, east Ayrshire. Cumnock fair was to last for eight days, beginning on St. Matthew's day, the 21st of September, and closing on St. Convall's day, the 28th of the same month. same month.

The tune, along with other J. French compositions, forms the themes for contemporary classical composer and conductor James MacMillan's twelve-minute fantasy for piano sextet (1999). It has also been arranged for piano and string orchestra. The composer was raised in Cumnock.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: French (Collection of New Strathspeys, Reels, etc.), 1801; p. 8.

Recorded sources:

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