Portobello - a traditional folk tune arranged for 20 button anglo

[Kathryn Wheeler]

I first came across Portobello dancing Border Morris - whilst dancing the fabulous Diagonal Wychwood, with Bow Brook Border Morris.  And it's an absolute delight to play on the anglo!  There's an interesting tale behind the name, that I've included below:

 

 

Although it is now called Portobello, it originally turns up under the name "La Ridotta" (in John Johnson's second volume of country dances c. 1750) (there are minor differences here and there between the different versions - and the version I play for dancing, that I learnt from others playing for Morris. I'm guessing melodeon players have adapted it to their instruments).  It appears under the names Porto Bello and Portobelo in the music manuscript collections of fiddlers William Irwin (1838, Langdale, Cumbria) and Joseph Barnes (1762, Carlisle, Cumbria).

 

So, why Portobello?

A lot of things were renamed Portobello - places, houses, street names! The name honours the British naval victory at the Battle of Porto Bello (1739) against Spain during the War of Jenkins' Ear*(1739-1748), when Admiral Edward Vernon captured the Spanish town. (It's now known as Portobelo, "beautiful port", in the modern-day Panama, but was then an important port on the Spanish Main).

The victory was much celebrated - the name was all the rage. The Spanish reclaimed the port soon after, though, in 1741!

*poor Captain Jenkins' had his ear torn off!

The picture behind me is of Portobello beach, in Dulas Bay, Ynys Mon/Anglesey Most people will be familiar with Portobello Road in London, or Portobello in Edinburgh, but I'm a sucker for a beautiful view in Wales!

[Tiposx]

Marvellous!

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

Always so entertaining to hear and watch you perform. And the information on Portobello is very interesting too.🌝

[Roger Hare]

Outstanding! A super start to my day. Thank you!

[Dan Worrall]

Beautifully done!

[Kathryn Wheeler]

Thankyou very much for your lovely comments!

[Marcus]

The music you get out of a 20 button instrument is fantastic. So much feeling and expression. 

[Kathryn Wheeler]

Thankyou, I feel very at home and relaxed with it!  Something about there just being 20 little buttons as well, I think, really helps.