The British Fife

British military music of the late 18th century utilized a wide variety of sources. Scots, Irish, and English folk songs and tunes; theatrical numbers from the stage and concert hall; works of the great and lesser classical composers; marches, quick steps, strathspeys and hornpipes; foreign airs and colonial tunes; all contributed to the soundscape found in the Guards and marching regiments of the British army.

This site is dedicated to preserving and re-presenting this bygone music. Sources will include both manuscript and published works produced for the corps of fife and drum attached to each battalion of the army.

Tunes will be presented mostly with the penny whistle, the whistle being easier on the ear when played indoors, although I will be utilizing the fife for marches and the like.

I hope to add a tune or tunes to the collection every few days as my schedule will allow.