Annotation:Auld Swaara

AULD SWARRA. AKA - "Da Auld Swarra Jupie." Shetland, Air ("Lament"). G Major. Standard tuning. ABB'. The tune is a lament for fishermen who died in the many disasters during the Haff Fishing in the 19th century, when men set out in sixtereens, six-oared open fishing boats. "Superstition forbade any man to be mentioned by name," explain Aly Bain and Tom Anderson, and instead his clothes were lamented; as Purser (1992) says, "probably the only thing he could have been identified by anyway." Swaara refers to the thick woolen undergarment worn by fisherman of that time. Anderson states the melody was played in the North Isles of Shetland for many years, but thinks it might be a variant of a tune from outside the borders of the Islands. Anderson prints Peter Fraser's version, which is "somewhat similar" to John Stickle's published tune. Cooke (1986) says: "...The abrupt pitch changes suggest Norse origins and the name 'Swarra' is Norse." Purser (1992) states: "Its uneven phrases and rough-hewn shape are dignified at the same time, and have echoes of the Norwegian style too." Sources for notated versions: from the playing of "the late" Peter Fraser of Finnigarth, Waas, Shetland [Anderson]; John Stickle (Shetland) [Purser].

Printed sources: Anderson, 1979 (Haand Me Doon Da Fiddle). Purser (Scotland's Music), 1992; Ex. 5, pg. 231.

Recorded sources: Topic 12TS379, Aly Bain and Tom Anderson - "Shetland Folk Fiddling, Vol. 2" (1978).