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Notes
“My Cape Breton Home” is a beautiful and evocative air that has become a staple of the Cape Breton fiddle tradition. Though it sounds like an ancient folk tune passed down through generations, it was actually composed in 1988 by the legendary Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland (1955–2009).
About the Tune
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A Personal Tribute: Jerry Holland composed the piece as a slow air to honor his father, Jerry Holland Sr., who was also a talented fiddler and a major influence on his life.
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The Name: While Jerry originally intended to give the tune a different name, a friend wrote lyrics for the melody titled “My Cape Breton Home.” The title resonated so well with the local community that Jerry decided to keep it.
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Style: It is typically played as a slow air or a waltz in the key of G Major. It is celebrated for its soulful, longing melody that captures the rugged beauty and the deep sense of “home” associated with Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
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Legacy: The tune became so popular that it has been recorded by world-renowned musicians, including flautist Sir James Galway and Cape Breton fiddle star Natalie MacMaster.