I like this tune very much, and I think it’s fairly well-known. It’s in G, so I was wondering if anyone could tell me how they deal with that low C! I’ve trying playing a high C instead but it sounds terrible when playing solo. Any suggestions on what to play?
Here it is, if you want to see the sheetmusic:
http://www.blackflute.com/music/tunes/waltzes/ashgrov.html
You could go up to a G instead.
It’s a lovely melody, one I learned as a child, and the words are sweet and poignant.
The ash grove, how graceful, how plainly tis speaking,
the harp through it playing has language for me.
Whenever the light through its branches is breaking
a host of kind faces is gazing on me.
The friends of my childhood again are before me,
each step wakes a memory as freely I roam.
With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o’er me,
the ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.
Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander
when twilight is fading I pensively rove.
Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander
amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove.
Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing
I first met that dear one, the joy of my heart.
Around us for gladness the bluebells were springing
the ash grove, the ash grove that sheltered my home.
My laughter is over, my step loses lightness,
old countryside measures steal soft on my ears;
I only remember the past and its brightness,
the dear ones I mourn for again gather here.
From out of the shadows their loving looks greet me,
and wistfully searching the leafy green dome,
I find other faces fond bending to greet me,
the ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.
Carol
A Silkstone 7 hole high D…
or – transpose it up 7 half steps (to d) - learn to play it on a d whistle - use the same fingering to play it on a g whistle if you want it in g - the referenced arrangement is a little different from what i’m used to but not that different - however, the d1/4 at the end of the last line is, i believe, an error as it messes up the count.
I used to play that on the Piano with my Grandma playing along on her fidlde… Beautiful tune.
It’s beautiful! I’ve heard the tune before. This will inspire me to get better at my C-naturals so I can play it.
It’s beautiful! I’ve heard the tune before. This will inspire me to get better at my C-naturals so I can play it.
It’s beautiful! I’ve heard the tune before. This will inspire me to get better at my C-naturals so I can play it.
Sorry, I’m not sure why that showed up three times. Hopefully that’s all!
It also makes you learn to play an F natural.
One of the favorites of my childhood. I haven’t thought of that tune in quite a while.
The easiest fingering for me is as if I’m playing in G on a D instrument (just ran thru it on a Bb fife; I still think of it as G, fingering-wise). Lovely tune.
Gee, I love this tune.
My solution is to bounce up to the low G,
instead of the C,
which sounds pretty good.
Thanks for the words.
there are
gorgeous harmonies here,
and playing it with a fiddle
can be very nice. Best
Great idea! 
Carol
Well, I see it was your idea! Thanks
agian for the words. Jim
Hehe, great minds and all.
And regarding the harmonies: there’s a very pretty descant part that floats above the last few lines. Used to love singing that.
Carol
That’s how I do it, too! Now, are you sure about the “great minds” bit? 
I use the harmony too but it is only needed the first time through. Where I play you can bet that by the second time round somebody will be singing ‘The Mayor of Bayswater’ to the tune and when that particular set of words gets going you can be sure that no-one is listening to the music anymore.
Well it’s nice to know so many people across the big pond seem to know and like this traditional Welsh tune. Everyone in the UK used to learn this one at school when I was a child.There are masses more very beautiful traditional tunes here in Wales - seems this is the one which travelled!
Cariad
I have a tune book which also includes All Through the Night, Hunting the Hare, Men of Harlech, and The Little Saucepan. All these tunes appear to be fairly easy for the whistle.
The book is called “International Folk Songs”, and is published by Hal Leonard.
There most certainly are, it’s a shame they don’t get more exposure.
BTW love the net-name. It’s the only word of Welsh I know, which is a terrible admission for someone with a Welsh grandfather.