Playford's Progeny

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====== The Parting Lovers ======
Thompson in 1776. \\
Interpreted by W.S. Porter, M Heffer and A. Heffer in 1931\\
(1776) 7 x 48 Bars\\
Triple minor longways dance\\
Recording: {{ ::music:parting_lovers--009.mp3.zip |}}

<code>
Al 1-4   The first and second couples set and turn single.
   5-8   Same two changes of a circular hey, partners facing and finishing improper.
A2 1-8   All that again to places.
B1 1-4   The first couple cast off one place and set.
   5-8   They cast off another place and set.
   9-12  They lead up the middle to places, the others moving down again.
   13-14 The first couple cast off one place.
   15-16 The first and second men change places with their partners.
B2 1—8   The first couple (improper) and the third couple hands-four, 
         eight steps clockwise and eight steps counter-clockwise.
   9-14  The first and second couples go three changes of a circular hey, 
          neighbors facing (progressive).
   15—16 The first and second couples turn single.</code>
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu0R8Uy5N7A&t=15s triple\\  
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BKZbFjvC5g&t=125s 3 cpl set\\
Note—For three couples set it is only necessary for the first
couple, in the last two bars, to cast off into the bottom place, the third couple moving up,
and the second couple turning single.

The tune and title may have been associated with Henry Carey's Nancy; or, The Parting Lovers, "A Musical Interlude," staged with success at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane in 1739. The piece shows "the force of love in low life," according to Erskine, Jones & Reed's Biographia Dramatica (1812), "and appears to have had a foundation in fact":

//At the beginning of the late impress, the author saw a young fellow hurried away by a press-gang, and followed by his sweet-heart; a very pretty wench, and perfectly neat, though plain in her dress: her tears, her distress, and moving softness, drew attention and compassion from all who beheld her.//


It was frequently revived at the beginning of a war, generally with success. A later adaptation was called True Blue; or, the Press Gang.