The Harvest Home

"The Harvest Home" is a popular tune often played by musicians. It’s generally considered a hornpipe.

What it Sounds Like: Some people find the tune's melody to be somewhat simple or "insipid," but many find it enjoyable to play and useful for practicing triplets.

Variations in Key and Style: The tune is often played in D major, but some musicians have played it in D minor. Some people like to add a "minor" feel with a flattened 6th note. Others experiment with a "Middle Eastern" sounding variation. It has also been played in F major.

Connections to Other Tunes & Names: It's sometimes referred to as "The Cork Hornpipe." There's speculation it may be related to a Scottish hornpipe called “Champion of the Seas.” It shares similarities with the B part of the “Balladrum House” Strathspey.

Origins & History: The tune has appeared in music collections dating back to at least the 1830s, in both the United States and Europe. It has been linked to a 1690s-1750s harvest song, but it is not the same tune. The tune has been recorded on numerous albums.

How It's Played: Hornpipes are typically written as "straight" time, but are played with a characteristic "dotted" or swung rhythm. Some musicians use triplets to add variation.

Associated Recordings and Performances:

• James Galway & Kevin Conneff recorded it as "Belfast Hornpipe."
• Neil O' Boyle played a version in 1937.
• Edel Fox plays a version on her album “Chords and Beryls."
• Niall Vallely and Liz Doherty played a version on Nomos' album “I won’t be afraid anymore.”
• Oasis (the band) used a version on their song "It's Good to Be Free."

Similar Tunes: It is related to, or has been confused with, the “Cincinnati Hornpipe.”