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The Fairy Dance sheet music

The Fairy Dance sheet music is available in several settings that differ in key and metre. One score is titled “Nathaniel Gow – Fairy Dance Reel” and carries Nathaniel Gow’s name with 1802; the other available scores are anonymous. Two settings open with two sharps (D major), while one has no sharps or flats, and the time signatures shown are 2/2 and 4/4. Compare those opening details before choosing a score to play from.

Scores 1–20 of 67

Sheet music

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Match key and metre first

The available Fairy Dance scores do not all open alike. Two begin with two sharps, shown as D major, and one begins with no sharps or flats. The time signature is 2/2 on the score titled “Nathaniel Gow – Fairy Dance Reel” and 4/4 on the anonymous scores. When playing with others, confirm the opening key and metre before starting, because settings in different keys or metres need to be matched deliberately.

Read the Gow credit carefully

One score names Nathaniel Gow and gives 1802. That is a credit on that particular score, not proof that Gow composed the tune. The other available scores are anonymous. If attribution matters for a programme or a note about the piece, check it against an authoritative reference rather than relying on the score title alone.

Title and dance type

Only one score calls the piece a reel in its title. The anonymous scores use The Fairy Dance alone. The available score details do not show whether every version is a reel, the same tune, or the same musical text. Check the title and opening bars rather than assuming that two scores with the same name are interchangeable.

Choosing a score for your situation

For ensemble playing, choose the Fairy Dance score whose opening key and time signature match the other players. For solo playing, compare the first bars and pick the setting that suits your instrument and the sound you want.

Scores to open first

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Common questions

Who composed The Fairy Dance?

The available scores do not establish a single composer for The Fairy Dance. One score is titled “Nathaniel Gow – Fairy Dance Reel” and names Nathaniel Gow with 1802, while the other available scores are anonymous. The Gow name should be treated as a credit on that score rather than a confirmed attribution.

What key is The Fairy Dance in?

The key depends on the setting. Two available scores of The Fairy Dance begin with two sharps, shown as D major, while one begins with no sharps or flats. Compare the opening key signature on the score you intend to use, especially when playing with others.

What time signature does The Fairy Dance use?

The Fairy Dance appears in 2/2 on the score titled “Nathaniel Gow – Fairy Dance Reel” and in 4/4 on the anonymous scores. The time signature therefore varies between available settings, so check the score rather than assuming one metre for the tune.

Is The Fairy Dance a reel?

One available score explicitly titles the piece “Nathaniel Gow – Fairy Dance Reel,” which labels that setting as a reel.

Are the available versions of The Fairy Dance the same arrangement?

The available versions of The Fairy Dance differ in opening key and time signature, and they are not presented as one identical arrangement. One is titled as a Gow reel and the others are anonymous. Compare the title and first bars before treating two scores as interchangeable.

How should I choose a Fairy Dance score?

Choose the version of The Fairy Dance whose opening key and time signature match the musicians you are playing with. If choosing for solo playing, compare the first bars and pick the setting that suits your instrument and the sound you want.