Burk Thumoth

Burk Thumoth published two books, "Twelve Scotch and Twelve Irish Airs" in c. 1742 and "Twelve English and Twelve Irish Airs" in c. 1743-5. Both were subtitled "With Variations, set for the German Flute, Violin or Harpsichord by Mr Burk Thumoth". The first edition was published in London by J. Simpson; they were reissued by H. Thorowgood, London c. 1765, also by John Cox, London, and also by Thompson. None of the printings are dated.

Each tune is set on 2 staves, treble and bass, with some figures, and continues for two pages because of the variation sets. Assuming that the bassesare by Thumoth it is not so clear whether the variations are or not as well.

Both books contain some Gaelic harp repertory including Ailen aroon, Da Mihi Manum, and Carolan's Bumpers Squire Jones.

Simon Chadwick