GRACES [1], THE. Scottish, English; Scots Measure. B Flat Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABBCC. The title may refer to the 'social graces', of which dancing and witty discourse were important the 18th century society. In Greek mythology the three Graces were the daughters of Zeus and the nymph Eurynome, daughter of the Titan Ocean, and were the goddesses of joy, charm, and beauty. Named Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer), they were known as the 'queens of song' and, along with the god Apollo and the Muses, delighted Olympus with their arts.
Additional notes
Printed sources : - McGlashan (Collection of Scots Measures), c. 1780; p. 42. Thompson (Compleat Coll. of 200 Favourite Country Dances Vol. IV), 1780; No. 126.
