The Humours Of Glendart

'The Humours of Glendart' is a popular Irish jig. It is generally described as a lively tune with a pleasant, lilting rhythm that makes it easy to tap your foot to. A unique characteristic is that the tune does not contain the note G.

History and Alternate Names:

• The tune has several names. It is also called 'The Bohola Jig,' though that tune is slightly different. It has also appeared as 'Saddle the Pony,' though this is considered a different jig entirely, and one that is sometimes played as part of a set alongside 'The Humours of Glendart.' It was also previously known as "The Housemaid," from Joyce’s 'Old Irish Music' (1909).
• It is listed in the Northern Fiddler under the name “Darby Gallagher’s.”
• Speculation suggests that the name "Saddle the Pony" may have been a misprint in an older music collection.
• The name "Glendart" refers to a place near Tralibane in County Cork, Ireland.

Musical Variations:

• There are multiple ways to play the melody. Some versions lower the notes to D in the first and third bars of the A section.
• Flute players often "roll" the A notes in bars 2 and 6 of the B section.
• Fiddlers often add their own embellishments and variations.
• Some versions mix elements of other variations.

Recordings and Performances:

• The tune appears on Bohola's third album (though some sources incorrectly state it is on that album).
• It has been performed by well-known musicians like Robbie Hannan (Uilleann pipes), Bobby Gardiner, Jimmy O’Brien-Moran (on his “Take Me Tender” CD), and Wendy MacIsaac.
• It was featured in the seventh Harry Potter film.
• Comhaltas Foinn Seisiún Volume 1 also features a recording.

Note: Some users have suggested that playing the tune strictly to notation can lead to a less expressive performance. Experienced musicians often add their own interpretations and “lift” to the music.