Tuesday 18 September 2018
Tune of the Day: The Happy Clown
Traditional English tune
This air was first published in London by John Young in the Second Volume of the Dancing Master (1718). However, William Stenhouse, in commentary on The Scots Musical Museum, claims to have had a manuscript version from 1709. John Gay employed the melody in The Beggar's Opera (1729) for a song by Lucy beginning “I'm like a skiff on the ocean toss'd”. Subsequently, it was included in a number of ballad operas of the period.
Thanks to Phil for suggesting this tune!