Hi all,
In Pat Mitchel’s ‘dance Music of WC’ Over the Moor to Maggie has a nice 2 part setting. Everywhere else it seems to be a 3 parter’. Whats your collective take on this?
I must confess that I do not think much of the 3rd part. It just seems at odds with the first two and rather pointless.
Slan,
Liam
Some people I could name (but won’t) think of the third part as inappropriate and will give you dirty looks for playing it. Some people don’t. That’s the long and short of it.
I’m aware of the feeling about the third part. But, speaking for myself, I like it. Mind, I’m a fiddler, so perhaps it doesn’t count.
I suppose, when you are going to throw out a tune like this do you make it clear that you intend to play two parts only?
It is much the same as Duke Gordon’s, in An Piobaire #1-13, 71 to 78, the tune is presented in a 2 part setting. Ronan Browne on ‘Touch me if You dare’ plays a 2 part. Almost everywhere else it is a 4 parter (or 5?), Michael Coleman for instance.
I busted out the 2 parter at a session (I had no idea there were longer versions) and was completely lost when everyone esle went somewhere else…
A similar thing happened back in Perth WA. We had an evening with Paddy Keenan and we ended up playing ‘The Kid on The Mountain’. We all learnt it from Liam O’Flynn, The Well Below the valley. So we all played a 3 part version. Looking back I don’t think Paddy was hugely amused.
So contrary.
Liam
Ben, its OK. I am sure some grumpy pipers can handle the opinion a fiddler.
Just lock your doors…
Maybe the root of my question is what dictaes the version you play? And, do you need to clarify this with all concerned when going into a sesion where you are not a regular?
Well, taste dictates what you play but you may do well to be prepared to play other versions when the need is there. A bit of flexibility never hurt anyone.
I like the 3rd part soooo much that I am not gonna play the first two parts anymore.That should put the cat aming the pigeons… 
Then I’m only going to play the 4th part! Ha! So there! See non of you part timers even know the 4th part. it’s really amazing and a secret I dare not share unless you have done the 21 years etc…
Generally speaking, the more parts the better, IMO. Helps defray the repetitive nature of our craft.
When it comes to differing versions crashing together in live performance, I love when that happens. It’s part of the magic. Personally, I only play tunes I like, and the same goes for versions of tunes. When I hear an alternate setting I prefer, I learn that one. I rarely allow myself to be caged in by other’s prejudices. I feel this is a modern part of our ever-evolving tradition. As long as quality is in focus, and the idiom is preserved, I’m happy.
Around here we play the 3 part version. I’m not sure how I feel about the third part, but I practice it quite a bit since it’s a bit of a finger twister, and it’s always fun to roll those C nats.
Yer all a bunch O’pussies I play the third and fourth part together,then the second part and finish off with the first part.
RORY
Thats it, the next time I’m at a session and a version comes around that I’m not liking, shillelagh to the back of the head…
And to top it all off I’ll whip out some interprative jazz.
Maybe thats the ned of this thread.
Uilliam…I’ve been reading your posts forever now…and for some reason…sommmme reason…I found that to be FUNNIEST ONE! 
Love it.
This reminds me of playing..i believe it was the Boy in the Gap. I played the 3rd part, and was informed John Kelly didn’t play the 3rd part…that it was an add on.
I’m sure the human tune-encyclopedic guys on this list (you know who you are), could site more than those 2 tunes with add ons parts. I know in the past, James Kelly would readily point that out. I’m of the mind that it’s good to know all of it. As Peter says, “flexibility” ain’t a bad thing…to say the least.
John Kelly (jr) plays it allright though. We played it last saturday night as it happens. Paddy Taylor is usually considered the composer of the third part of the Boy in the Gap.
John Kelly Sr., I meant. I’m told that in his particular version, JK Sr. would not have included it.
James Kelly mentions Micho Russell introducing it that part…
O’Neill has it in “The book”. 1st of 4 editions 1907 with 3 parts.Not sure if it was in all editions or not but it is still quite a bit older than Clancy’s version.Thats good nuff for me. 