Count Tallard
COUNT TALLARD. English, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. The tune was first printed in the 13th edition (1706) of the Dancing Master (then printed in London by John Young, heir to the Playford's), and reappeared in every subsequent edition through the end of the series, with the 18th in 1728. It also was printed by the Walsh's, first in The New Country Dancing Master, 2nd Book (London, 1710), then in The Compleat Country Dancing Master (editions of 1718, 1731 and 1754)) See note for "French Ambassador", a previous Playford melody, for information on the Duc de Tallard (1652-1728). Tallard was captured at the battle of Blenheim in August, 1704, and returned to England as a prisoner, where he was kept at Nottingham. In 1711 he was released and returned to France, where apparently no ill will was accorded to him on account of his defeat, as he was made a duke in 1712 and a Peer of France in 1715.
Printed sources: Barlow (Compleat Country Dance Tunes from Playford's Dancing Master), 1985; No. 521, p. 117. Plain Brown Tune Book, 1997; p 7.
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Engraver Valerio M. Pelliccioni