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Notes
“John Ryan’s Polka” is one of the most recognizable and high-energy tunes in the Irish traditional repertoire. Hailing from County Tipperary, it gained worldwide fame after being featured in the “Third Class General Admission” party scene in the 1997 film Titanic.
The tune is a classic 4/4 Polka played in the Key of D Major. It is known for its bright, punchy rhythm and its “ascending” melody that makes it a perfect choice for ending a set of polkas. Because of its straightforward structure and limited range, it is an ideal tune for mandolin and fiddle players to practice fast, clean picking. In a session, it is almost always paired with “The Forty Pound Float” or “The Britches Full of Stitches” to keep the dancers moving.