Here’s my other low D, the Susato Low D. It was one of the first ordered, so it has the straight neck, nothing fancy. I find it louder than the Howard, with a woodier, more flutelike tone, although it is somewhat harder to play.
This is the Copperplate reel, and for contrast, O’Carolan’s The Parting of Friends.
Unfortunately, it is an appropriate air for today. I’ve lost another friend to cancer. The emotion in the air is quite genuine: Jimmy (who was a woman, not a man, in spite of the spelling) was 40 years old, and left behind young children and a grieving husband. Jimmy was strong like an African princess; it is easy to imagine her running with great long strides across the savannahs and forests of the world, free of all care and of all pain. I hope she finds rest, and peace, in the arms of the Mother.
As always, thank you for sharing that. I also play the Copperplate, but can’t keep the feel of the music at that speed even on a soprano D. Judging from the second tune, I’d guess that the “haunting” sound so many seek, does indeed come from the heart and soul of the player, and not as much from the instrument.
I hope your friend finds peace and you as well in her memories.
Soryy to hear about your friend James, it seems paradoxical that in times of grieving, melancholy music helps to draw out the emotion, then eases the pain.
Nice playing on the low D by the way, I’m glad I haven’t been bitten by the low WhOA yet, just playing my regular D’s is keeping me quite busy.