schlange - Posted - 10/13/2014:  08:31:40

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Original fiddler version from Wm. H. Stepp

Key of D – aDADE 

In this, Tunetorial number 21, Dan "Clawdan" Levenson teaches the tune Wm. H. Stepp’s Bonaparte’s Retreat. Many folks know this melody both from Aaron Copeland’s “Hoe Down” and as the “Beef – It’s what’s for dinner” commercials.

What is not as well known is that while Aaron Copeland composed, copyrighted then premiered his piece around 1942 the tune had been recorded and collected by Ruth Seeger and the Library of Congress in 1937 as Bonaparte's Retreat played on fiddle by William H. Stepp. Copeland took the transcription of Stepp's playing note for note to start his composition.

The original recording is still available today for you to hear for yourself. It is available as part of the American Fiddle Tunes collection (Rounder 18964-1518-2) and online here where you can hear and download his recording. I love it when you can hear someone say, "And this here's the bony part" right on the recording! Of course, today you may just her someone say, "Where's the beef?"

Dan plays the tune and break down sections on the fly. There are some seemingly tricky parts that once you see and hear really come pretty easily. Especially if you focus on the special part here on left hand usage and another drop thumb highlight.

This tune is tabbed out in Dan's book (tune 7 in) Old Time Favorites for Clawhammer Banjo (MB 30224).

You can purchase the video lesson (for unlimited streaming and download) here on the Banjo Hangout for $6.

Get it here >

Dan and I would love to hear any feedback you have on these videos, so feel free to post or email us. Our goal here is provide a steady, affordable way for people to learn a new clawhammer tune weekly (or as often as they'd like).

It would be great to hear some of your versions so far so post them here for all to hear!

Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 10/13/2014:  09:14:10

Actually, it was the Lomaxes that recorded and collected this tune from William Stepp. Ruth Crawford Seeger had nothng to do with that part of the process. She was, however, the person that transcribed the Lomax recordings for them, and she was an acquaintance of Copeland, who might possibly have suggested this tune for his use in Rodeo. In any event, Copeland did indeed lift it note-for-note from her transcription of William Stepp's playing.

There's a very interesting chapter about William Stepp, and the recording, collecting and dissemination of that wonderful recording and all that followed in Stephen Wade's wonderful 2012 book "The Beautiful Music All Around Us: Field Recordings and the American Experience" University of Illinois Press. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a great entertaining and informative read.

Edited by - Marc Nerenberg on 10/13/2014 09:16:53

hweinberg - Posted - 10/14/2014:  06:37:01

+1 for Marc's recommendation of Stephen Wade's book.  It is a wonderful collection of explanations of the origins and recordists' discovery of a dozen well-known tunes in addition to Bonaparte's Retreat.   And +1 for Dan and all his contributions to old time music.   Thanks to both of you.  --Howard

Clawdan - Posted - 10/14/2014:  10:47:18

Thanks Marc. I stand corrected. Thanks Howard for the compliments.

banjered - Posted - 10/14/2014:  16:20:32

Hey I liked the sound of that banjo Dan! Could you tell us a little about it? Thanks! Banjered

Clawdan - Posted - 10/14/2014:  16:53:16

That would be a Toni Pass Lost Timber 12" ash wood pot with Vern Marr neck. New, and for sale. For details email me directly.