Need Burns night assistance

**Hamish** · 22nd January 07, 05:38 AM

A few years ago, I was at a formal Burns Night Dinner in Inverness where 'Tam' was performed in the centre of the hall by an Englishman (fully kilted and PCd) who had never before spoken in public. It was amazingly good. He had memorized the entire work, and gave it in full dialect with masses of actions and movement around the room. I have seen 'Tam' presented several times (and, yes, it is a long work) but this was a performance to end all performances. So, it CAN be done!

My memorizing days are over, I fear, and I would hesitate even to read 'Tam' in public, but you sound like the sort of guy who would willingly tackle anything. So, go for it, and Good Luck!

**David Thornton** · 22nd January 07, 06:24 AM

My memorizing days are over, I fear, and I would hesitate even to read 'Tam' in public, but you sound like the sort of guy who would willingly tackle anything. So, go for it, and Good Luck![/QUOTE]

Hamish, that may well be the nicest thing ever said of me on a BB, thank you kind sir. It may also be just enough encouragement to have me spend my nights this week in memorization.

Jim, thanks for the translation link. I now see why the work is so powerful in Burns combination of Scot & English.

If my research is correct, the impetus of the work is from three ghost stories he had been given. That would explain the great emphasis on the witches at the kirk. I had always thought of the story more a moralistic piece on drinking and marriage. In other words, I am glad I have been assigned the task but am afraid I will lose the next few months reading Burns.

Keep the suggestions coming, and avail yourself of the opportunity to read and listen to this piece.

David

**McClef** · 22nd January 07, 06:42 AM

Sounds like that guy in Inverness deserves an Oscar Hamish!

I should imagine he got a standing ovation, he certainly deserved nothing less, bravely going where many if not most Scots would fear to tread.

It's certainly a poem that would be most effective when memorised and dramatised with a good single malt to keep the throat lubricated!

**macwilkin** · 22nd January 07, 06:49 AM

I am learning Tam O'Shanter at the moment, and I hope to have it down by next Burns Supper season. My best friend has been working on it for the last two years, and has it down; He says that is really not the daunting task that some make it out to be.

Personally, I am a firm believer that the diluting of Burns into English takes something away from his works. I'm not saying not to provide translation for the Burns "novices", but the reason why Burns is such an important poet is because of his work with the Scots language. And Tam certainly loses something when it is not done in its original tounge.

Regards,

Todd

**PiobBear** · 22nd January 07, 07:07 AM

Good thing about being a piper; all I have to memorize are my tunes (by the score), and the only time I'm ever required to speak in public is to deliver the traditional toast when top table "pays the piper".

**thescot** · 22nd January 07, 07:09 AM

Good show, Cajun. Memorizing something like Tam-o-Shanter is quite a beg deal, adn there's nothing an Enlgish teacher loves more than good recitation of good poetry.

I thought the charity lecture was tough enough, but Tam?

**auld argonian** · 22nd January 07, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

I am learning Tam O'Shanter at the moment, and I hope to have it down by next Burns Supper season. My best friend has been working on it for the last two years, and has it down; He says that is really not the daunting task that some make it out to be.

Personally, I am a firm believer that the diluting of Burns into English takes something away from his works. I'm not saying not to provide translation for the Burns "novices", but the reason why Burns is such an important poet is because of his work with the Scots language. And Tam certainly loses something when it is not done in its original tounge.

Regards,

Todd

Record your reading the thing and then transfer it to a CD or cassette and keep it in the car and throw it in when you know you have the time to listen all the way through...it helps.

As to "anglicising" the text, consider what Panache accomplished here:

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j3...Dinnet2007.flv

...looks like he pretty well brought the meanings across while not giving an inch on the language.

Best

AA

**macwilkin** · 22nd January 07, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Record your reading the thing and then transfer it to a CD or cassette and keep it in the car and throw it in when you know you have the time to listen all the way through...it helps.

AA

YES!! That is how I learn poems and songs!

T.

**thescot** · 23rd January 07, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

As to "anglicising" the text, consider what Panache accomplished here:

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j3...Dinnet2007.flv

...looks like he pretty well brought the meanings across while not giving an inch on the language.

Best

AA

Holy cow. What a great performance, Panache! What are you doing next January? Can we book you for Georgia if we start early?

As to anglicizing, I prefer the Scots, too. And if carefully done, the meaning is pretty clear to almost everyone.

**way2fractious** · 24th January 07, 10:33 AM

David, my friend,

Just stop and consider that you will be among friends that night, even as you are now. Also, nary a guest would trade places with you for those few minutes; rather, they will appreciate your energies and contributions to the evening. Third, make no attempt to compare your talents to those of anyone else - especially the formidable Panache! - be yourself and go with yours.

Memorize it - use prompt notes - read it in Scots or English - your choice. Practice, practice. Breathe deeply (then exhale!). Get it started and let the practice take over.

A great big "GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN"

w2f (wishing I could be there...)