Annotation:Whinham's Reel

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WHINHAM’S REEL. AKA and see “Mrs. Thompson of Gofton's Strathspey,” “Pibroch! (The)” English, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB: AABBCCDD’EE’ (Callaghan): AABBCCDDEAABB (Dixon). Composed by biography:Robert Whinham, an itinerant Northumbrian musician, fiddle and dancing master, teacher and composer, who lived between 1814 and 1893. Whinham ended his days in a workhouse in Morpeth where he was registered as a “teacher of music in Morpeth (Northumberland).” The only known photograph of him was taken there. Callaghan (2007) notes the tune is popular throughout England, although usually only the first two parts are played.

Source for notated version: Colin Ross [Dixon].

Printed sources: Callaghan (Hardcore English), 2007; p. 94. Dixon (Remember Me), 1995; p. 17.

Recorded sources: Folktracks 30-119, Billy Ballantine – “Whistle in the Wind.” Topic Records, Willie Taylor & Joe Hutton – “Bonnie North Tyne.” REDE 002, Dishalagie – “Berwick Pipes.” Topic 12TS184, High Level Ranters – “Northumberland for Ever.” Topic 12TS239, George Hepple & Donald Ridley (et al) – “Wild Hills o’ Wannies.”