Dance Tunes
Brighton Camp
Horses Brawl
A mediaeval dance tune, originating in France as Le Branle des Chevaux, known in England as the Horses Brawl is played extensively across the whole of Sussex during pub folk tune sessions and even for dancing. This is something that folk musicians love to get their teeth into as it has such an exciting tune.
Halle Place
The tune played regularly by folk bands is well known across the whole of Sussex.
Man in the Moon
Michael Turner's Waltz
This tune was adapted from a Mozart melody by Michael Turner who was a well-known fiddle player across Sussex and was also the verger of Warnham Church in the 19th century.
This is a popular tune played by folk musicians across Sussex in particular, but is also encountered across England.
Sussex Bonnie Breast Knot
The country dances “Bonny Breast Knots” have been known since about 1770, according to Flett & Flett (1964), and long had a special place at Scottish weddings. Up until about 1900 in Roxburghshire and West Berwickshire, Scotland, it was always performed as the first dance after the wedding supper, with the bride and groom leading off with the best man and bridesmaid.
Its status in the wedding rituals may be what is referred to in the song “The Briest Knots,” quoted by Flett & Flett: Various versions of the tune are played across England. This version is of Sussex origin and is played across the County and the Downs for various dances by most Morris Dance sides.
The Sussex Cotillion
Enjoy, and participate in, the musical heritage of the area
The songs provided are for enjoyment and learning purposes. Please note that these versions are not definitive; there are so many wonderful versions 'out there'. Please share your versions with us...
Welcome to the South Downs Music website; a platform enabling users to access folk songs from, and sung in, the Sussex area.
Please note: this website is a resource open to everyone, but if you download songs and material from this site and then perform these in public, you will need to be covered for PRS.

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