The Reconciliation

Reel, A, Traditional Irish
Also know as: The Olive Branch; The Peacemaker

The Reconciliation, traditional Irish Reel. TrailJams Tune of the Week. Play it together March 12, 2023. Illustration copyright 2023 Jonathan Lay.

The Reconciliation, also known as The Olive Branch and The Peacemaker, is a strong and rousing reel. Played in the key of A major, the tune can make an especially welcome key change in some tune sets. While the tune is usually played as a reel, as it is in this setting, in Francis O’Neill’s Music of Ireland (1903) the tune is set as a hornpipe.

Recordings

Dots (Sheet Music)

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 with chords for The Reconciliation, traditional Irish reel in A major. Arrangement by Jonathan Lay. trailjams.org
Play from the Dots
Very slow tempo, 45bpm
Slow tempo 65bpm
Moderate tempo 85bpm

Sets

Examples of sets that include this tune.

  • Congress Reel Set: Sheehan’s Reel / The Congress / The Reconciliation
  • Lady Ann Montgomery / The Congress Reel / The Reconciliation
  • Father Kelly’s / Reconciliation / Mountain Road / MacArthur Road
  • Fermoy Lasses / Reconciliation / Galway Rambler
  • The Mason’s Apron / The Humours of Tulla / The Reconciliation Reel

References and Resources

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