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Contentment Is Wealth sheet music

Contentment Is Wealth is a folk piece represented by three short score settings. The versions are credited to 'Misc Traditional' or 'after Sgt. J. O'Neill', and no named composer is confirmed. Two settings open in 6/8 with two sharps, while the score labelled '(jig)' opens in 4/4 with no sharps or flats. Comparing the full notation is the best way to choose a version.

Scores 1–20 of 32

Sheet music

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Reading the opening signatures

Two available settings of Contentment Is Wealth open in 6/8 with a key signature of two sharps. The third score is titled with '(jig)' but opens in 4/4 with no sharps or flats. Opening signatures describe only the start of each score; they do not prove the key or dance type of the whole piece. Check the full notation before using a version for a particular key or rhythm.

The jig label and the metre

One score is labelled 'Contentment Is Wealth (jig)', yet that setting opens in 4/4, while the other two settings open in 6/8. A title label alone does not establish the dance type or rhythm of a tune. Players looking for a jig should inspect the notation rather than relying on the title.

Attribution and O'Neill

No composer name appears on two of the scores, which are credited to 'Misc Traditional'. One score carries the credit 'after Sgt. J. O'Neill'.

Choosing among the available versions

Compare the opening time signature, key signature, length, and notation before choosing. Two versions begin in 6/8 with two sharps and are listed at under a minute; the jig-labelled version begins in 4/4 with no sharps or flats and is listed at about 54 seconds. The records do not name an instrument or ensemble, so check the score itself for the intended setting.

Scores to open first

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Common questions

What is Contentment Is Wealth?

Contentment Is Wealth is a folk piece represented by three short score settings in this collection. The scores are credited to 'Misc Traditional' or 'after Sgt.

Is Contentment Is Wealth a jig?

One score is titled 'Contentment Is Wealth (jig)', but that setting opens in 4/4 with no sharps or flats. The other two settings open in 6/8 with two sharps. Because the label and the opening metre disagree, players should check the notation rather than assume a jig rhythm from the title.

What key does Contentment Is Wealth open in?

Two settings of Contentment Is Wealth open with two sharps, which commonly indicates D major or B minor, while the jig-labelled setting opens with no sharps or flats. These are opening key signatures only and do not establish the key of the complete piece.

Who is Sgt. J. O'Neill?

Sgt. J. O'Neill appears in the credit 'after Sgt. J. O'Neill' on one score of Contentment Is Wealth.

How do the three settings of Contentment Is Wealth differ?

The three settings of Contentment Is Wealth differ in opening metre, key signature, and listed length. Two begin in 6/8 with two sharps and are listed at roughly 30 and 24 seconds; the jig-labelled setting begins in 4/4 with no sharps or flats and is listed at about 54 seconds. Instrumentation is not stated in the records.

What instrument is Contentment Is Wealth written for?

The available records for Contentment Is Wealth do not name an instrument or ensemble. Players should inspect each score's notation and any headings on the score to determine the intended setting before choosing a version.