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Adieu (Unaccompanied Tremolo Study) - Alfred Kirby
Probably one of the oddest and most special Classic Banjo solos I've come across. This one has intrigued me for a very long time, though I wasn't able to play it entirely until recently.
In the March 1944 issue of B.M.G., Rex Hart spoke of it in these terms:
"Adieu" is, in my opinion, Kirby’s greatest solo to date. It opens with a solemn bass
melody which reappears in four-note chords an octave higher. Then follows the piece
de resistance; a beautiful, haunting air on the first string with repeated notes and thumb
accompaniment. As a composition it equals, if not excels Tarrega’s famous "Tremolo
Study". "Adieu" is a momentous achievement."
To my knowledge, this solo has never been recorded before, and it was published very late, probably in B.M.G by the looks of it. Unfortunately, this first recording is unworthy of it; I made a couple of mistakes towards the end; for this shameful display, I shall commit Seppuku with a wooden spork and commit my soul to the Banjo Gods. May Morley have mercy upon my resonator!
Views: 120
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Comment by German David Patarroyo on October 24, 2012 at 4:43
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Mike please don´t leave us yet!! I am sure Morley et al can wait!...I will probably kill for having a part of your skills playing "Adieu" (a lot of waltz to me for a while is ok) .
I really enjoyed it! :)..the bass is just lovely.
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Comment by Mike Moss on October 24, 2012 at 19:21
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Don't rush it... reminiscing on my banjo progress, I first saw the score for "Adieu" one year, three months and a day ago; I was fascinated by the piece but I had no idea of how exactly it was supposed to sound, as I was still a hesitant reader and I couldn't tremolo my way out of a paper bag. Kirby really knew his music...
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Comment by thereallyniceman on October 25, 2012 at 19:01
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That is some tremolo Mike! I am surprised that you still have an end on your finger.
Remarkable. I would give you extra stars if I could, but knock one off for the squeaky chair.
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Comment by Sylvia on October 27, 2012 at 13:49
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Just popped in for a minute to check on you all and heard Mike playing " Adieu " thought it was brilliant. That finger Trem. really is something.
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Thank you Sylvia, Alfred Kirby wrote some really nice harmonies for this piece. I'll be producing a new tutorial on "orthodox" finger tremolo as soon as possible.
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Hi Mike, looking forward to the tremolo tutorial.
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Comment by Neil Angus Goodwin on November 17, 2012 at 0:31
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That was lovely, might I suggest using a runcible spoon (the owl and the pussycat) instead of a spork as a). I believe the former to be mythical therefore we will continue to enjoy your playing and b). it is contemporaneous with the style of play.
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Indeed, runcible spoons were often used by banjo players until the Owl decided to switch to the guitar. Unfortunately, ever since, it has been typical of banjo players not to have any money (or honey)!
Some would even suggest that that is why they say the guitar players get all the pussy...cat
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