----- Original Message -----
From: "J L Speranza" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 05 August 2002 02:15
Subject: Re: [BALLADS] Little Sir William
> "The events narrated in this ballad were supposed to have taken place in
> the 13th century (etc.)
The point is that the "Little Sir William" variant appears to be a one-off,
and the "Somerset" derivation seems to have been a mistake on Britten's
part, unless he knew something that we do not; as I said, the text is
identical to the Lincolnshire set quoted by Mason, Broadwood and Child,
apart from the alteration of one word, which on the face of it seems to have
been made by Britten (who could not very well have used the lyric in its
traditional form). The melody, too, appears to be identical; so that the
balance of probability is that this is the Mason set, mis-ascribed to an
(unspecified) Somerset source for some reason.
The song itself is of course widely known in other forms throughout the
English-speaking world, and the story is old and well-known; this, however,
is perhaps not necessarily directly relevant to a question concerning one
specific variant. William of Norwich, who died c.1144, was widely supposed
at the time to have been the victim of a Jewish ritual killing; the death of
Hugh of Lincoln (about a century later) provided an excuse for widespread
lynchings and looting. Child only became aware of "Little Sir William" after
he had written his notes to "Sir Hugh"; whether or not he would have felt
that the co-incidence (if it is that) of name was relevant, I don't know.
Perhaps someone who knows more about the historical background would
comment?
I'm grateful to Bruce for the link he quoted (and for the caveat!) Salutary
to see that there are still people out there who will grasp at any
opportunity (even if it be eight centuries or more old) of spreading hatred.
Malcolm
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.377 / Virus Database: 211 - Release Date: 15/07/02
|
