Ceilidh Music - Gay Gordons - For Accordion
by Traditional
Piano - Digital Sheet Music

C Instrument - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1289648

By Traditional. By Traditional. Arranged by Martin Hay. 19th Century,Celtic,Irish,Multicultural,Traditional,Wedding,World. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 2 pages. Martin Hay #880353. Published by Martin Hay (A0.1289648).

The Gay Gordons is a lively Scottish country dance that is popular at social gatherings and ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances). It is a partner dance that involves a combination of skipping steps and waltz-like moves. The dance is typically done in a circular formation with couples facing each other. Here is a basic description of how the Gay Gordons dance is performed:

1. **Starting Position:** Couples stand facing each other in a large circle, holding hands. The dance begins with partners side by side, with the man's right hand holding the woman's left hand.

2. **Skipping Steps:** The dance starts with a series of skipping steps, where couples move in a circle to the right, taking small skipping steps.

3. **Turns:** After a few rounds of skipping, couples will turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction, still holding hands.

4. **Waltz Hold:** Once turned, couples adopt a waltz hold, with the man's right hand around the woman's waist, and the woman's left hand on the man's shoulder. The other hands are joined together.

5. **Waltz:** Couples then waltz around the dance floor in a clockwise direction, often taking a few spins.

6. **Repeat:** The dance continues with more skipping steps, turns, and waltzing. It is a joyful and energetic dance that is typically danced to traditional Scottish music.

The songs in this Gay Gordons set are:

**1. "The Thistle of Scotland":**
"The Thistle of Scotland" is not a widely recognized or specific song title in Scottish music. Scotland has a rich musical tradition with many songs that celebrate its culture, history, and symbols. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland, so there may be various songs that reference it indirectly.

**2. "Mhairi's Wedding":**
"Mhairi's Wedding" is a popular Scottish folk song often played at weddings and celebrations. It tells the story of a wedding celebration and is known for its catchy melody and lyrics that celebrate the joyous occasion of Mhairi's wedding.

**3. "The Barren Rocks of Aden":**
"The Barren Rocks of Aden" is a famous Scottish military march. It is often played by bagpipe bands and has a distinctive and stirring melody. The tune is associated with the British Army and is a common choice for military processions and parades.

**4. "Scotland the Brave":**
"Scotland the Brave" is another well-known Scottish patriotic song and march. It is often played at national and sporting events in Scotland. The song celebrates the beauty and spirit of Scotland and is characterized by its uplifting and proud melody. It is a favorite among bagpipers and is often performed with great enthusiasm.

These songs are all part of Scotland's rich musical heritage and are played at various occasions to celebrate its culture and history.