The Peacock’s Feather #1

Hornpipe, D Dorian, Irish Traditional
TrailJams Tune of the Week for June 17, 2021

There are two traditional tunes that go by the name of “The Peacock’s Feather.” One is in a minor key (Dorian mode), the other is in a major key. This tune, The Peacock’s Feather #1, is the minor key tune, called #1 (apparently) because the two tunes have been recorded together several times, with this one being first.

The Peacock's Feather #1. Hornpipe, D Dorian. TrailJams Tune of the Week. Play it together June 17, 2021.

Recordings

Dots (Music Notation)

The Traditional tune is transcribed here in D Dorian. (D Dorian: same key signature as C Major, resolves to Dm chord and D note. Sometimes called “modal minor.”) This version is transcribed (and simplified) from the playing of Katherine Liley and Martin MacDonald; Frankie Gavin and Alec Finn. The tune changes from D Dorian to D Major in the first 2 measures of the B part. As always for traditional tunes, the musical notation and chords do not indicate the “right” way to play the tune, but are a useful reference.

Sheet music for The Peacock's Feather #1. Hornpipe, D Dorian. Irish Traditional.  Arrangement by Jonathan Lay 6/14/2021. With chords. trailjams.org.

Play from the Dots
Slow tempo 60bpm
Moderate tempo 75bpm

Suggested Sets

Companion tunes and sequences that work well for this tune.

References and Resources

For those that want to dig deeper, here are some other resources.