Annotation:Herbert Smith's Polka

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HERBERT SMITH'S POLKA. English, Polka. G Major ('A' and 'C' parts): D Major ('B' part). Standard tuning (fiddle). AA'BB'CC'. Barry Callaghan (2007) notes: "This tune has become somewhat obscured since the recording by The Old Swan Band in 1978 where it is combined with one part of 'Dan Leno's', and the 'A' music was subsequently printed as the 'B' music to that, with 'B' and 'C' getting lost."

Source for notated version: a 1952 BBC recording of blacksmith and fiddler Herbert Smith (Blakeney, Norfolk) [Callaghan].

Printed sources: Callaghan (Hardcore English), 2007; p. 67.

Recorded sources: Topic 12TS274, Bob Davenport - "Down the Long Road" (1975). Topic TSCD752, Webb's Wonders - "Stepping Up" (2004. Compilation CD).




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