Although collected by Cecil Sharp in Somerset this tune was probably created in the early 1700s and most likely hails from the Scottish borders. It was a favourite of poet and lyricist Robbie Burns, who quoted from it in a compendium of Scottish poetry. The lyrics tell the story of a wealthy Countess who decides to leave her life of wealth and luxury to join a group of travellers.
Selected from Folk Roots for Alto Saxophone. In this timeless new collection, Hywel Davies presents fresh interpretations of traditional British folk-tunes together with complementary folk-inspired original compositions for developing saxophonists to learn, enjoy and perform.