Tolka Polka on the Hammered Dulcimer by Bryce Morrison

Описание: This is a non-trad, very recent composition by Dónal Lunny.

Challenge: It’s possibly been my biggest challenge yet, as the timing seems out of sync (syncopated) in parts. Once someone’s polka-ing, and in the groove, a minor two-measure syncopation probably wouldn’t be a tripping hazard, but it’s certainly a challenge to my robotic, western mind, especially without my brain hemispheres operating independently. I’m guessing that he composed in on the bouzouki, rather than the hammered dulcimer, but I’ve found a way for it to work. With enough practice this week, and imagining a tapping foot to keep me on time, here is a recording.

Musicians: If you’re going to learn this, do it by ear first (hearing a variety of sources), rather than by reading sheet music. I’ve edited the sheet music several times to try to make it match the syncopation, but … reading a book or quote by someone can only help you imagine their tone of voice, but hearing a recording is much better, and even watching their facial expressions can add a lot more meaning to a quote. Here is a Kevin Burke recording from 2008:    • Kevin Burke - Polkas & Reels   Here is a very slow recording:    • Tolka Polka  

Other tunes: Donal Lunny and Kevin Burke each play Denis Doody’s Polka (as “Glen Cottage”) before this. You could probably add a bunch of other polkas leading up to this in a set, but you might put the emphasis on the Tolka Polka.