Ossman Plays “A Gay Gossoon”

[Shawn McSweeny]

According to the 1910 census info posted by Marc recently, Ossman had some Irish on his mother’s side, so for St Patrick’s Day, here is Ossman’s restored, stellar rendition of “A Gay Gossoon”.  Back in 1906, “gay” meant “carefree”, “happy” or “bright and showy”.  “Gossoon” is an Irish term for a boy or lad.

The piece is in 6/8 (jig-time). It has several sections and at least one quotes a traditional Irish tune, namely “Gary Owen”.  Also note that the score is not a literal transcription of the recording. The record has a longer introduction, alters the order of parts and repeats a block of sections in order to extend the piece to three minutes. If someone really needs to hear the score playback, I can post it.

This is a second piece by Edwin F. Kendall for which Ossman’s English publisher failed to credit the composer.  Even to this day, Kendall’s name is omitted at professional performances. Hopefully this will change with his authorship now added to the score, available below in notation and tablature.

 

Ossman Plays A GAY GOSSOON

[thereallyniceman]

Thank you Shawn,

And a Happy St Patrick's day to everyone!!

That is a great cover page and thanks for posting the score and TABlature. I had often wondered what a "Gay Gossoon" was since I first saw the score in the 1970s !  But I never got round to looking it up.

I have added the score and TAB to the MUSIC LIBRARY

[Shawn McSweeny]

Hi Ian

Ah, 'tis a grand day indeed, to be sure!

Glad you enjoyed this. It will be my last Ossman posting for the season. Spring is arriving; time to get on with building and restoring banjos as well as outdoor chores. .  .  .

[Trapdoor2]

Thanks Shawn!

'tis my birthday today. I've suffered thru (59 of them, to be exact) a lot of green birthday cakes over the years. Miz Diane and I are on a very strict diet so I'm expecting a green protein bar this evening... =8^0

Never seen the sheet music cover before. Very cool! I've always liked this piece.

[Shawn McSweeny]

Happy Birthday Marc! As you probably figured out, the cover art was originally for the piano score. I added the green text for the Ossman arrangement credit.

[Trapdoor2]

The Ossman credit looked original, I didn't question it at all. Very nicely done!

I found out recently that I actually have some Irish blood from about 6 generations back...Timothy O'Roark, born in Leitrim County in the 1700's, married some saucy wench and became one of my grandfathers.

[thereallyniceman]

Happy Birthday Marc, still a mere child :-)

[Trapdoor2]

I am said to have the heart of a child...

If I did, it would be in a jar on my bookshelf. ;-)