Introduction
Jim Pengelly May Day 1963
Jim Pengelly hailed from Padstow in Cornwall where he grew up, hence the name of this book ‘Den Lodenek’ which translated from Cornish means ‘Man of Padstow’. Jim played a very active role throughout his life in promoting the culture and heritage of Cornwall and was awarded a Bardship by The Gorsedh Kernow in 1970 for his services to the Cornish Language. His Bardic name was, of course, ‘Den Lodenek’.
It goes without saying that, as a man of Padstow, Jim was an active participant in the Padstow May Day celebrations on 1st May each year, playing accordion with the Blue Ribbon Oss (photo on page II). For those who have never been to May Day, this is definitely something that needs to be experienced in person to fully appreciate this ancient celebration with the haunting sounds of the May Song and its procession through the streets of Padstow. If you ever thought that more than one accordion playing would be a nightmare, this is definitely an exception to that rule!
Jim was introduced to the traditional Cornish dance scene as an accordion player c.1982 where he joined ‘Cam Kernewek’- a dance group formed in the late 1970s whose purpose was to try and revive interest in Cornish dance. Some of the tunes in this book were written to accompany dances performed by this group throughout the 80s and 90s. Jim was also an integral part of the Cornish dance group ‘Asteveryn’ who subsequently formed in 1997 to continue Cam Kernewek’s legacy.
Click to open pdf file: Jim Pengelly – Contemporary Cornish Waltzes, Reels and Jigs
Contents
- An Demedhyans
- An Dynas
- An Weryn
- Asteveryn Polka
- Clair Tregenza’s Wedding
- Cornish Medley
- Cornish Squire
- Etek ha Deugans
- Gretta’s Song
- Gwer ha Glas
- Harleigh Polka
- Jim’s Jigs
- Miscellany Reel
- Miss Angela MacTernan
- Mrs Parkyn’s Jig
- New Temp Waltz
- Padstow Pride
- Pelmelyn Jig
- Polka Poppet
- Rum and Shrub
- St Piran’s Marches
- Tamsyn’s Jig
- The Bellow Miner Reel
- Tyr – Gwyr – Gweryn
- Yn Cas
- The Green Plume Mazurka