The Boy on the Hilltop (Reel)
The Boy on the Hilltop (Reel)
This tune comes from the playing of John Vesey and Charlie Gaffney of Phildelphia in the seminal recording
"Sligo Fiddler", curated by Tom Standeven. It's the last tune in a set which includes Finley's Fancy (The Galway
Rambler) and The London Lasses.
As part of the transition from The London Lasses into The Boy on the Hilltop, the first note is played as a C
natural, played a third above the A that is notated. Every other time through the A section, as well on most
other versions of the tune, the intial note is the A.
Note: While this sheet music is provided for reference and convenience, I would take it as a personal favour if you would find a local musician to teach it to you or a local session where you could hear it played. This will enable you to learn the phrasing and ornamentation for your instrument which generally is not notated here. The best way to learn Irish traditional music is by ear, by listening to and/or learning from a musician experienced in the genre. At the very least, you will want to memorize the tune so that this page would be superfluous. This version is a version that I played at the time I created this page; it may not be the same as the version I currently play, and it may not be the same as the version with which you are familiar. Go raibh maith agat; Thanks!