(file size 2.7 MB)The modern version of Pilgarlic for a three-couple set appears in Bert Eccles' booklet "Not Quite Playford" where the interpretation of the 18th century dance is attributed to M.A.Town. My problem with the version given is that the 2nd couple are almost inactive for the first 24 bars of the 32 bar dance. During this time they each spend just two bars moving up out of the way of the working couple, and they don't even do that move together as a couple.
So, here is a version that gets the 2s involved, and they even do part of the dance with each other as a couple (which otherwise does not occur anywhere for any of the couples).
3 couple longways set
This track has 2 bar introduction + 3x32 bars (3xAAB) at 108 beats per minute :
(file size 2.7 MB)There is a recording by the West Kirby Folk Dance Band on their album "Not Quite Playford"; the tempo is slightly faster. This is currently available as a CD from the Anglo-American Dance Shop (AADS).
A score is available on line in The Traditional Tune Archive.
| bars | |
| A1 1‑2 | 1st man takes two side steps down
the outside, while 2nd man takes two side steps up the inside (so they have changed places), |
| 3‑4 | those two men look at the lady diagonally right down the set. M2 and W2 set to each other, while M1 and W3 also set; |
| 5‑8 | M2 and W2 two hand turn once round, while M1 and W3 do likewise. |
| A2 1‑2 | 1st lady takes two side steps down
the outside, while 2nd lady takes two side steps up the inside (so they have changed places), |
| 3‑4 | those two ladies look at the man diagonally left down the set. W2 and M1 set to each other, while W1 and M3 also set; |
| 5‑8 | W2 and M1 two hand turn once round, while W1 and M3 do likewise. |
| B 1‑8 | Bottom two couples (1st and 3rd couples) right hand star; and back with left hand star. |
| 9‑16 | Top two couples (2nd and 1st
couples) four changes of a hey giving hands (starting right hand to partner), 1st couple do one extra right-hand change with 3rd couple to progress to the bottom of the set. |
| Repeat twice more | |