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Jamaica sheet music

Jamaica sheet music on this page is represented by three short scores: two titled “John Playford – Jamaica” in F major and one titled “Jamaica (A)” in A major. All three list a 2/2 time signature. The listed score details allow comparison of keys and score attributes, but they do not verify the tune’s history, original instrumentation, or John Playford’s exact role.

Scores 1–20 of 25

Sheet music

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What the listed scores show

Two scores titled “John Playford – Jamaica” share a one-flat F major opening, 2/2 time, a 216 BPM opening tempo, 63 notes and a listed duration of about 36 seconds. The third score, “Jamaica (A)”, lists a three-sharp A major opening and 2/2 time, with a duration of about 64 seconds and no composer name. These are details of individual scores, not proof that the versions are musically identical or complete.

Choosing between F major and A major

The F major scores use a one-flat key signature, while “Jamaica (A)” uses three sharps for A major. The better choice depends on the range, fingering and reading comfort of the player or singer. The supplied details do not identify the original key, instrumentation or difficulty of any version, so compare the actual notation before deciding.

Attribution and date

John Playford’s name appears in two score titles, and a composer credit reads “John Playford 1670”. Treat the attribution and date as leads to verify rather than settled facts.

Tempo and duration details

The 216 BPM opening tempo applies to the two F major scores and describes their opening only; it is not necessarily a recommended tempo for the whole tune. Listed durations describe individual scores and may not match a live performance. Use the notation and musical judgment when setting tempo.

Scores to open first

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Common questions

What is the piece called Jamaica in these scores?

Jamaica is the title shared by three short scores on this page: two are titled “John Playford – Jamaica” and one is titled “Jamaica (A)”. The records do not establish whether all three represent the same underlying tune, related arrangements, or separate settings.

What keys are the Jamaica scores in?

Two scores titled “John Playford – Jamaica” list an opening key of F major, shown by a one-flat key signature. “Jamaica (A)” lists A major, shown by three sharps. The scores do not establish which key is original or whether the A major version is a transposition.

Are the two “John Playford – Jamaica” scores the same?

Both “John Playford – Jamaica” scores list the same F major opening, 2/2 time, 216 BPM opening tempo, 63 notes and a duration of about 36 seconds. Whether they are duplicate copies, different engravings or separate arrangements is not stated, so compare the notation if the distinction matters.

Does the evidence confirm that John Playford composed Jamaica?

John Playford’s name appears in the titles of two scores and in a composer credit reading “John Playford 1670”. The evidence supplied does not confirm whether Playford composed, arranged, published or transmitted Jamaica, nor what the date 1670 refers to; the attribution should be treated as unverified.

How do the F major and A major versions differ for players?

An F major version places Jamaica with a one-flat key signature, while the A major version uses three sharps. Players and singers may prefer one key for range, fingering or reading comfort. The page gives no instrumentation, difficulty grade or verified arrangement description, so compare the notation, range and clef needs before choosing.

What might the “A” in “Jamaica (A)” mean?

The parenthetical A in “Jamaica (A)” most likely reflects that score’s listed A major opening key, but the records do not confirm the naming convention. That score also has no composer name listed, so its origin should not be inferred from the title alone.

What do the listed tempo and duration figures describe?

A 216 BPM opening tempo and a duration of about 36 seconds are listed for the two F major “John Playford – Jamaica” scores. The A major score lists a duration of about 64 seconds and no opening tempo. These figures describe the individual scores, not a recommended tempo or definitive performance length.