Farewell to Whisky

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Farewell to Whisky

by Niel Gow (1727-1807)
This tune was composed 200 years ago in 1799, when the barley crop in Scotland failed, and was so poor that no barley was permitted to be used for distilling. In The Beauties of Gow (published Edinburgh, 1819), his son Nathaniel annotated the tune with

This tune alludes to prohibiting the making of whisky in 1799. It is expressive of a Highlander's sorrow on being deprived of his favourite beverage.

The tune has evolved into a few different versions since then, even being played as a reel and a polka in Ireland! However, it is best played as a lament.

Gow was one of the most famous fiddlers in Scottish history.
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Farewell to Whisky

[MIDI file]