Hesperus

Early American Roots

This collection presents solo violin/fiddle arrangements from the Maggie's Music CD Early American Roots by the Hesperus Early Music Ensemble. It includes a cross-section of popular American instrumental music from before, and just after, the American Revolution, including country dance tunes, improvisations, and shape note hymns. The dance music in this collection represents two basic genres of dance: country dances and cotillions. All the tunes in this book are playable on the standard-tuned fiddle (violin). The tunes have been arranged in the order found on the album as much as possible. Chords are provided to identify the harmonic structure of each piece as well as to give the opportunity for the use of an accompanying instrument, such as the guitar.