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Lament for the Duke of Hamilton

Title

Alternative Title

Cumha Dhiuc Hamilton Duke of Hamilton's March (Campbell Canntaireachd)

Artist

Malcolm R MacPherson, John MacDougall

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Information

This tune is to be found in the Campbell Canntaireachd, in Donald MacDonald's published book, in Angus MacKay's maunscript and in Angus MacKay's Seaforth manuscript.

Angus MacKay states it was composed by Patrick Mor MacCrimmon in memory of James Duke of Hamilton, killed in a duel in Hyde Park in 1712. Alexander Haddow in "The History and Structure of Ceol Mor" thinks that it is much more likely to have been the 2nd duke of Hamilton who was killed at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 where the MacLeods were also present fighting for the King against Cromwell. Patrick Mor was with the MacLeods.

Judges Note 2009

This tune requires a good top hand. The similarity between the ground and the first and second high G variations was noted. It was felt that the second high G variation should be played considerably faster than the first.In bar 5 lines 1 & 2, bar 3 line 3, the low G in the second half of the bar might be played long, to balance with the earlier low As, or short as written. In bar 4 line 2 the cadence E (marked 7 in PS 3) can be played long, with the cadence E (marked 4) played shorter.

The suibhal variation may be played ‘up’ or ‘down’.

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Available in:

PS Book 3, Kilberry, Binneas

Donald MacDonald V1 Lament for the Duke of Hamilton
Angus MacKay Duke of Hamilton's Lament
Seaforth (Angus MacKay) Manuscript Lament for The Duke of Hamilton
CC V2 1 Duke of Hamilton's March
David Glen's Book Lament, for the Duke of Hamilton
John MacDougall-Gillies Manuscript Lament for the Duke of Hamilton
Colin Cameron Manuscript 59 Cumha Dhuichd Thamilton Lament for the Duke of Hamilton
John Smith MS Duke of Hamilton's Lament