[DiogenesLamp]

From Henry Livingston, Jr.'s Music Manuscript - "Yanky Doodle" - late 1700's

I have to say, that as a musical piece, the version we adopted was far superior. This original version is too simplistic.

[mairdie]

Well, remember, these people are passing around hand-written copies. There’s only two or three pieces that are multiple lines. I think they must have expected people to embroider on their own. There’s a set of music manuscripts from that period and this is one of the larger ones. I’m planning to do Farewell to Lochabor next, which is more intricate. But almost all are simple melodies.

[mairdie]

I think one good example of how they were writing down minimalistic versions is the hymns. I was raised Catholic so I never heard a hymn until I opened his music manuscript book. And when I transcribed them, they made no sense whatsoever. I believe that's because he only wrote down the part that he would play. I still have no idea what these should sound like. His brother was a famous theologian and produced his own book of hymns.

The Music Manuscript Book

[mairdie]

Try this one I just put up. The melody is a little more complicated. It's one of my favorites.

Farewell to Lochabor - YouTube

Farewell to Lochabor - Music Manuscript