I'm new here. I'm living in Germany and I'm (trying) to play the fiddle for about 5 years now. I'm reely into scottish and irish folk music but I still haven't understood what's the difference beween a jig, a reel and a strathpey. Sound all pretty the same to me. Is there any?? That might be a very silly question and I hope you forgive me for asking, but here in Germany I can't get an answer!!
Another question I have is: how do I start a request, if I'm looking for a particular tune??
Nicki,
Don't apologise for asking the question. Here in Scotland, fiddlers, (including this one), often ask the same. Basically the differences are in rhythm and tempo.
Jigs take three forms, single, double and triple (or slip) jigs. They're written in 6/8 or 9/8 for the latter. Tempo is a matter of style and is also determined by whether the jig is being played for listening or dancing. I'm sure you'll get much more expert comment, particularly from the Irish members.
Reels are generally written in 4/4 or, less commonly, 2/4 time. Again playing speed is determined by style, listening (solo or session) or dancing. They are generally slightly faster tempo than jigs. For ceilidhs the modern style is to play reels often at breakneck speeds!
The origins of strathspeys are slightly clouded in 'Scotch Mist' but it's generally accepted that they are the only one of the three styles to have originated in Scotland, generally in the region of the Upper valley of the River Spey - hence the name. They are usually written in 4/4 time and are characterised by their 'dotted' notes and rhythms. As with any old musical manuscripts, it is often difficult to be certain of exactly what the composer had in mind, particularly as the composers shared your confusion and often titled what we would now call strathspeys - reels! They should be played at a significantly slower tempo than reels or jigs. For dancing, strathspeys allow the dancers to recover their breath between sets of reels and jigs. It was often said in the past that strathspeys should be played 'slow' or 'slower still' or almost like 'slow airs'. Modern players tend to play them faster than traditionalists like. If you think of them as 'The Scottish Minuet' you won't go far wrong, particularly with some of William Marshall's tunes which are really elegant.
For most fiddle players, strathspeys represent the biggest challenge to play well, in terms of mastering the necessary bowing patterns and techniques about which volumes have been written, so I won't go on! I'm sure you'll attract other comments.
The FAQ should answer your question about submitting requests. After carrying out a search by title or ABC, if the site returns a nil response you'll get an automatic prompt.
Finally a request of my own! I have an accordion playing friend who originated from the Dresden area but has lived in Scotland for 20+ years. She introduced me to to some of the German traditional walking songs used by apprentices as they travelled between masters. If you have any knowledge perhaps you could e-mail me.
Ron
I'm constantly being reminded by my American friends that they're really better mannered. (My wife reckons except for New Yorkers, who're more akin to we hooligan Scots)
Sorry, Ron, wasn't trying to be pointed -- I've sort of appointed myself The Session housedog, greeting everyone at the door. I'm not sure why, it just seemed the thing to do. (Shut the pie hole, Danny, et.al., I know very well I just gave you a huge opening. *grin*)
Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Hello,
I'm new here. I'm living in Germany and I'm (trying) to play the fiddle for about 5 years now. I'm reely into scottish and irish folk music but I still haven't understood what's the difference beween a jig, a reel and a strathpey. Sound all pretty the same to me. Is there any?? That might be a very silly question and I hope you forgive me for asking, but here in Germany I can't get an answer!!
Another question I have is: how do I start a request, if I'm looking for a particular tune??
Thanks for your patience.
Bye
Nicki
# Posted on July 11th 2003 by nicki
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Nicki,
Don't apologise for asking the question. Here in Scotland, fiddlers, (including this one), often ask the same. Basically the differences are in rhythm and tempo.
Jigs take three forms, single, double and triple (or slip) jigs. They're written in 6/8 or 9/8 for the latter. Tempo is a matter of style and is also determined by whether the jig is being played for listening or dancing. I'm sure you'll get much more expert comment, particularly from the Irish members.
Reels are generally written in 4/4 or, less commonly, 2/4 time. Again playing speed is determined by style, listening (solo or session) or dancing. They are generally slightly faster tempo than jigs. For ceilidhs the modern style is to play reels often at breakneck speeds!
The origins of strathspeys are slightly clouded in 'Scotch Mist' but it's generally accepted that they are the only one of the three styles to have originated in Scotland, generally in the region of the Upper valley of the River Spey - hence the name. They are usually written in 4/4 time and are characterised by their 'dotted' notes and rhythms. As with any old musical manuscripts, it is often difficult to be certain of exactly what the composer had in mind, particularly as the composers shared your confusion and often titled what we would now call strathspeys - reels! They should be played at a significantly slower tempo than reels or jigs. For dancing, strathspeys allow the dancers to recover their breath between sets of reels and jigs. It was often said in the past that strathspeys should be played 'slow' or 'slower still' or almost like 'slow airs'. Modern players tend to play them faster than traditionalists like. If you think of them as 'The Scottish Minuet' you won't go far wrong, particularly with some of William Marshall's tunes which are really elegant.
For most fiddle players, strathspeys represent the biggest challenge to play well, in terms of mastering the necessary bowing patterns and techniques about which volumes have been written, so I won't go on! I'm sure you'll attract other comments.
The FAQ should answer your question about submitting requests. After carrying out a search by title or ABC, if the site returns a nil response you'll get an automatic prompt.
Finally a request of my own! I have an accordion playing friend who originated from the Dresden area but has lived in Scotland for 20+ years. She introduced me to to some of the German traditional walking songs used by apprentices as they travelled between masters. If you have any knowledge perhaps you could e-mail me.
Ron
# Posted on July 11th 2003 by fifer
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
And...Welcome to The Session, Nicki.
Zina
# Posted on July 12th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
I'm constantly being reminded by my American friends that they're really better mannered. (My wife reckons except for New Yorkers, who're more akin to we hooligan Scots)
Thanks for the reminder, Zina.
Ron
# Posted on July 12th 2003 by fifer
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Sorry, Ron, wasn't trying to be pointed -- I've sort of appointed myself The Session housedog, greeting everyone at the door. I'm not sure why, it just seemed the thing to do. (Shut the pie hole, Danny, et.al., I know very well I just gave you a huge opening. *grin*)
zls
# Posted on July 12th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Zzzzzzz....
Ehh?.....Wha'?......
What you wake me up at this time for?..
William Marshall.. now there's a great name, but which I haven't heard on this site up until now. D'ye think he's under-rated?
Hey fife, don't knock uzz jocks, we Have got manners. Let's just say we're...kinda.....'direct'....
Danny
# Posted on July 12th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Jigs, Reels and Strathpeys
Hey Niki, welcome
Na, not under-rated, just a wonderful Scottish fiddle player from Moray ;)....sorry Danny, I had to be a wise guy for a sec, and now to bed.......
K
# Posted on July 12th 2003 by BluFiddle