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Notes
Tune Description: “Green Mountain Petronella”
“Green Mountain Petronella” is a beloved variation of the traditional “Petronella,” a tune and dance that originated in Scotland in the early 19th century. While the original version is a staple of Scottish Country Dancing, the “Green Mountain” version has been firmly adopted into the New England Contra Dance tradition, particularly in Vermont (the Green Mountain State) and Maine.
The tune is a bright, bouncy reel in the Key of G Major. It is most famous for its unique “clapping” or “stomping” rhythm during the dance, where the melody creates a perfect space for dancers to respond to the music. On the mandolin or fiddle, it is characterized by its driving, repetitive eighth-note patterns and a clear, joyful “lift” that keeps the energy high in a crowded dance hall. It is a quintessential example of the “Old-Timey” New England sound—unpretentious, rhythmic, and incredibly fun to play.
Key: G Major | Rhythm: Reel
[Part A]
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G | / / / / | G | / / / / | D7 | / / / / | G | / / / / |
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G | / / / / | G | / / / / | D7 | / / / / | G | / / / / |
[Part B]
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G | C | G | D7 |
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G | C | G / D7 | G |
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G | C | G | D7 |
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G | C | G / D7 | G |