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Planxty Irwin sheet music

Planxty Irwin sheet music appears here in several settings attributed to Turlough O'Carolan. The versions are not identical: some open in G major with one sharp, others in D major with two, and the listed opening tempos range from 80 to 105 BPM. All three scores are in 6/8, a compound metre that shapes the tune's lilt.

Scores 1–20 of 30

Sheet music

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Keys and versions

The listed versions of Planxty Irwin divide between G major (one sharp) and D major (two sharps). If you are playing with others, match their key; if you are choosing for a melody instrument, compare the range and fingering in each score rather than assuming one setting is easier. The key signature and the notes themselves are the practical guide.

Phrasing in 6/8

A 6/8 bar groups six quavers into two beats of three. In Planxty Irwin, let the first quaver of each group carry a little weight and keep the middle quaver light, so the tune lilts instead of stumbling. The notation shows the metre, but the phrase shape comes from the melody line.

Tempo markings are a starting point

The scores here carry opening tempos of 80 BPM and 105 BPM, which shows that even the listed versions do not agree on speed. Use the marking as a guide, then adjust to the setting: slower while learning the notes, more flowing when the tune is played for listeners.

Attribution and completeness

The scores name Turlough O'Carolan, but no verified source accompanies this page, so treat the attribution as a lead to check. The scores also differ in note count, which indicates different arrangements rather than a single authorised text. Compare endings and repeat patterns before treating one version as definitive.

Scores to open first

Related collections

Common questions

Who composed Planxty Irwin?

The scores listed here credit Turlough O'Carolan with composing Planxty Irwin. That credit is not backed by a verified source on this page, so confirm it with a scholarly or publisher edition if you need the attribution for performance or programme notes.

What key is Planxty Irwin in?

Planxty Irwin is presented here in two keys: G major, with one sharp, and D major, with two sharps. Choosing between them depends on the range of your instrument and the key of the other players; the notation, not the title, determines the actual notes.

What time signature is Planxty Irwin in?

Planxty Irwin is notated in 6/8 in all three versions listed here. A 6/8 bar has two main beats, each divided into three quavers, which gives the tune a lilting, compound feel.

What tempo should Planxty Irwin be played at?

Planxty Irwin has no single required tempo; the versions here show opening markings of 80 BPM and 105 BPM. Treat a tempo marking as a starting point and adjust it to the setting, the players and the acoustic.

Why do the versions of Planxty Irwin differ in length?

Planxty Irwin appears in differing lengths here because the scores are separate arrangements: note counts range from 81 to 164. A lower note count can mean a shorter setting or a different arrangement, so compare the notation and repeats rather than assuming one version is the complete tune.