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Rufty Tufty sheet music

Rufty Tufty appears here as three separate scores, two of which name John Playford with a 1651 date alongside the tune, while the third carries no composer and is credited to “Misc tunes.” The notations are not identical: key signatures, time signatures, lengths and designated parts differ between them, so the practical task is comparing the versions rather than assuming one standard text. All three scores use a one-sharp key signature, and two of them identify the key as G major. Two are barred in 2/2 and one in 4/4, and only one names an instrument, marking a Piano part. Use the notes below to weigh metre, part designation and length before settling on a version to read or play from.

Scores 1–20 of 26

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Composer credits in the listings

Two of the three scores give John Playford as the credited name, with 1651 attached in the composer or artist field; the remaining score is anonymous and credited to “Misc tunes.” These are the credits recorded with each score rather than independently verified attribution, so a musician wanting a firm source for the Playford connection should check a reliable reference before relying on the name.

Key signature and metre

Every score here carries a one-sharp key signature, and two specify G major. A single sharp can also indicate E minor, so confirm the key from the music itself rather than the signature alone. Metre divides the scores more sharply: two use 2/2 and one uses 4/4. Both are duple, but the choice changes barring, beaming and how the phrases sit on the page, which matters when reading at sight or fitting the tune to a dance or song.

Comparing length and instrumentation

The three scores differ in scale, listed at 212, 100 and 99 notes, with durations of roughly 112, 113 and 54 seconds. Those figures describe individual scores and do not by themselves prove three distinct settings, but they are a fair reason to look at the notation before choosing. Only one score names a part, marked “Piano”; the other two leave instrumentation open, so a piano arrangement should not be assumed for every version.

What these scores do not establish

Nothing supplied with this page documents the tune's origin, its use in dance, its first printing or its original instrumentation. The scores let you compare notations of Rufty Tufty and choose what suits your reading, but they are not evidence of the work's history or of an authoritative edition. Where those questions matter, treat the Playford and 1651 credits as a starting point for further research.

Scores to open first

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Common questions

Who is credited with writing Rufty Tufty?

Two of the three Rufty Tufty scores credit John Playford, with 1651 recorded alongside the name; the third score names no composer and is credited to “Misc tunes.” These credits are the ones attached to each score rather than independently verified facts, so the Playford attribution is best treated as a lead for further checking.

What key is Rufty Tufty notated in?

All three Rufty Tufty scores carry a one-sharp key signature, and two of them name the key as G major. Because a single sharp can also serve E minor, reading the opening and closing notes of a score will confirm which key is intended more reliably than the signature on its own.

Why do the available Rufty Tufty scores use different time signatures?

Two of the Rufty Tufty scores are barred in 2/2 and one in 4/4. Both are duple metres, so the underlying pulse is comparable, but the choice alters how bars are grouped and beamed on the page. If you read at sight or need the notation to line up with a dance, compare the two options and use whichever grouping is clearer for you.

Is there a piano arrangement of Rufty Tufty?

One Rufty Tufty score lists “Piano” among its score parts. The other two scores name no instrument at all, so a piano part should not be assumed for every version; check the designated part on the score you intend to use, particularly if you are planning an ensemble or accompanied performance.

How do the three Rufty Tufty scores differ from one another?

The Rufty Tufty scores differ in listed length, with 212, 100 and 99 notes and durations of roughly 112, 113 and 54 seconds. They also differ in metre, 2/2 against 4/4, and only one names a Piano part. Those details describe the individual scores rather than proving separate compositions, but they are worth comparing before you choose a version.