It's a Long Way To Tipperary, Op. 136, No. 4 (1912/2022)

Program Notes:

Jack Judge and Harry Williams were a British songwriting duo that published 32 music hall songs. Judge could not read or write music, so Williams taught him songs by ear and Judge performed in local music halls. "It's A Long Way To Tipperary" was first performed in 1912. It was originally written to be a sentimental ballad, nostalgic for Irishmen living in London. In 1914, Irish tenor John McCormack recorded the song and it became popular as a marching song for British soldiers in WWI. Following Williams' death, there was considerable dispute over true authorship of the song; today, the families of both Judge and Williams still receive royalties.

This arrangement was prepared for the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra to perform on September 24, 2022 under the direction of Carolyn Watson.