Tunes

Featured Tune

Key: E Dorian | Meter: 6/8 | Tempo: Moderate jig BPM
Key: E Dorian | Meter: 6/8 | Tempo: Moderate jig BPM
ABC length: 193 
X: 2
T: Mynydd Yr Heliwr
R: jig
M: 6/8
L: 1/8
K: Edor
|:e3 B2e|dBA BAF|G2G EGB|c2d cBA|
e3 B2e|dBA BAF|G2G EGB|AGF E3:|:
E3 G2A|B2B EFG|F2F [BB,]2[BB,]|E2E FED|
EGB e2e|dBA BAF|G2G EGB|AGF E3:|
  • A 6/8 jig associated with Welsh folk repertoire and the group Ar Log. Commonly played in sessions and rooted in a modern traditional style rather than anonymous oral tradition.

About This Tune

Mynydd Yr Heliwr is a jig associated with the Welsh folk group Ar Log, and is attributed to Stephen Rees (a member of Ar Log). It sits within the modern Welsh folk revival tradition rather than being an anonymous historical tune.

The title is Welsh:

  • Mynydd = mountain
  • Yr = the
  • Heliwr = hunter
    → “Mountain of the Hunter”

Musically, the tune is firmly in E Dorian, giving it a modal sound (minor feel with a raised 6th), which is characteristic of many Welsh and broader Celtic repertoire pieces used in sessions.

Attribution

  • Composer: Stephen Rees
  • Associated group: Ar Log
  • Tradition status: Modern composed tune in traditional style (Welsh folk revival repertoire)

This attribution comes from recorded repertoire associated with Ar Log releases and commonly cited tune listings in session circulation.

Chords

Key: E Dorian

Functional session harmony:

  • Em (tonic / modal centre)
  • D (bVII, strong modal support)
  • G (colour chord)
  • Am (optional passing harmony)

Part A:

| Em | D | Em | Em | | Em | D | Em | Em |

Part B:

| Em | G | Em | D | | Em | D | Em | Em |

Learning Tips

  • Feel the jig as: ONE-two-three FOUR-five-six
  • Learn in 2-bar phrases, not note-by-note sequences
  • Identify the repeating contour early — it reduces memory load massively
  • Use E and B as anchor tones for recovery when lost

Session Etiquette

  • Start at a comfortable tempo; do not rush entry
  • Expect repeated AABB cycles
  • Listen before joining — this tune often appears in medleys with other Welsh repertoire
  • Prioritise groove over ornamentation in group settings

Performance Notes

  • Keep phrasing light and lifted, especially on the second quaver group
  • Avoid over-accenting every beat — let the jig breathe
  • Breath points on flute naturally fall at phrase boundaries; plan them early
  • Ornamentation should follow rhythm, not disrupt it

Previous Featured Tunes

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Overview

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About This Tune

Name: Banish Misfortune
Other Titles/Variants: The Bag of Meal, The Humours of Mullinafauna, Nancy Hynes3
Mode: D Mixolydian (implied C natural)1
Key Signature: One sharp (F♯)2
Meter: 6/8 (double jig)1
Structure: AABBCC (common form in traditional sources)1
Typical Tempo: ~100–120 BPM (lilting jig feel)

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Overview

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About This Tune

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  • Other Titles/Variants: Ryan’s Polka, Seán Ryan’s Polka, Keadue Polka, Armagh Polka145
  • Key: D major15
  • Meter: 2/4 (Polka rhythm)15
  • Structure: AABB (two 8‑bar sections)15
  • Typical Tempo: ~120–140 BPM (energetic dance feel)
  • Common Setting: Irish traditional sessions, dances, céilís, pub gigs

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About This Tune

The Butterfly is a modern classic that has become a staple of Irish sessions worldwide. Composed by Tommy Potts (1912-1988), one of the greatest Irish fiddlers of the 20th century, it has the feel of an ancient tune despite being relatively recent.

A slip jig is in 9/8 time, giving it a lilting, flowing quality that’s different from the more familiar 6/8 jig. The Butterfly captures this perfectly - its melody seems to drift and hover like its namesake.

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