Annotation:Comet Waltz (The)

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COMET (WALTZ), THE. AKA and see "Cheshire Waltz." English (?), American; Waltz (3/8 or 3/4 time). D Major (Kennedy): F Major (Eames). Standard tuning (fiddle). AABBCC'. The tune was entered into the music copybook of American musician M.E. Eames, dated Aug. 22nd, 1859. There have been a few "Comet Waltzes"; a "Comet Waltz" composed by Charles E. Whiting in 1881 is not this tune, nor is Henry Maylath's "Commet Waltz" of the same year, and it seems that Eames's "Comet Waltz" may be an older, English melody. The review of new music in The Gentleman's Magazine (London, June, 1816, p. 540), probably referring to the "Comet Waltz" in Eames's MS, was not enthusiastic:

The Comet Waltz, a pandean Air, arranged as a Rondo for the Pianoforte or Harp. pp. 4. 2s. Preston. This rather pleasing Air is eked out into a rondo with little skill, forming a lesson that may interest learners, and requiring very little power of execution.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Bruce & Emmett (Drummers' and Fifers' Guide), 1862; p. 86. Kennedy (Fiddler's Tune-Book: Slip Jigs and Waltzes), 1999; No. 109, p. 26.

Recorded sources:

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