A Long Goodbye

Notes

“A Long Goodbye” is a soulful air composed by the legendary New England fiddler and caller David Allen Kaynor. Written originally in memory of his sister, the tune has become a cherished anthem of reflection within the folk community. Its sweeping G-major melody and emotional weight make it a standout piece for solo performance and a powerful tribute to one of the tradition’s most influential modern figures.

“A Long Goodbye” is a poignant and deeply moving air composed by the late David Allen Kaynor (1948–2021). David was a legendary figure in the New England contra dance and fiddle community, known as a caller, musician, and mentor based in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

The Story Behind the Tune

The history of this piece is both personal and profound. David began forming the melodic ideas for “A Long Goodbye” in 1989, shortly after the loss of his sister, Jody, to cancer. He described the phrases of the air as having been in his “head and heart” for years before they were fully realized.

In a bittersweet twist of fate, the tune took on even greater significance toward the end of David’s own life as he battled ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). For many in the folk community, “A Long Goodbye” became a musical tribute to David’s own enduring spirit and his graceful departure from the community he helped build.

Musical Characteristics

• Rhythm & Key: It is typically played as a slow air or waltz in 3/4 time, often in the key of G Major.

• Structure: The tune features long, swelling phrases that require steady, expressive bowing. It lacks the driving “swing” of a typical dance tune, focusing instead on melodic resonance and emotional depth.

• Mood: It is profoundly reflective. The melody doesn’t just sound like a farewell; it sounds like a celebration of a life well-lived, filled with both the sadness of parting and the warmth of memory.