Wild Fiddler’s Rag is one of those tunes that is just plain hard to play. It’s difficult to the point that when I hear it, I’m just waiting for the fiddler to miss a note. Other tunes like this are: Gardenia Waltz, Nimrod Hornpipe, and Hiawatha Hornpipe.
By no means am I claiming to have nailed Wild Fiddler’s Rag perfectly, but I think it’s an important fiddle tune, and deserves to be a part of Fiddle Tune a Day.
I originally learned Wild Fiddler’s Rag from the same Mark O’Connor video Series that I learned Skater’s Waltz from.
Soppin’ the Gravy was the 3rd tune in the series, but I never worked it up from there. Years later, I tackled it on my own with input from many different versions.
Wild Fiddler’s Rag according to Fiddler’s Companion
WILD FIDDLER’S RAG. Old‑Time, Country Rag. G Major (‘A’ and ‘B’ parts) & C Major (‘C’ part). Standard tuning. AA’BBCC. Composed by Howdy Forrester. The ‘C’ part is played in the 2nd position on the violin. Source for notated version: Howard Forrester [Phillips]. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), vol. 2, 1995; pg. 169. Rounder C‑11565, Mark O’Connor ‑ “Rounder Fiddle” (1990). Rounder 0137, Mark O’Connor ‑ “Soppin’ Up the Gravy.”
Howdy Forrester is one of my idols. He was amazing as to the difficulty of the tunes he wrote and played. I read somewhere that he hung out with one of the great classical violinists when he was in Nashville to play with the Nashville Symphony. Not sure, but I believe it was Fritz Krisler.
Hi Tom, Howdy is definitely one of my favorite fiddlers as well. The story about the great classical violinist doesn't surprise me. I have found a great open-mindedness about other styles among the great players of any musical genre. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent musical performance !