Backstitching

Backstitching

Inspired by the "stacatto triplets" thread, it's time I satisfied my curiosity. What exactly is a backstitch?
Is it exclusively a pipes ornament (the only ITM context in which I've heard the word) or can it be done on other instruments. And where can I hear examples?

# Posted on December 7th 2009 by Alex Wilding

Re: Backstitching

http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/23165/comments#comment481558

# Posted on December 7th 2009 by Ramiro

Re: Backstitching

http://www.uilleannobsession.com/faq.html#backstitch

or definition from http://www.pipesofireland.com/SWAUP/handbooklow.pdf


backstitching
a staccato ornament in which a long
note is split by two other notes, usually
G’–F’# or C–A. Thus, D’ becomes
D’–G’–F’#–D’, with the last 3 notes
timed as a triplet. See the Piping of Patsy
Touhey for a detailed description. (Ir.
greim cúil)

# Posted on December 7th 2009 by Feargal French

Re: Backstitching

It's also useful when sewing

# Posted on December 8th 2009 by Earl Cameron

Re: Backstitching

The best discussion/explanation I've seen is in the book The Piping of Patsy Touhey.

the basic idea is to throw pairs of staccato notes played on one hand in between two melody notes played on the other hand.

So, Patsy often used the staccato pair G-F# as part of triplets, crans, and backstitching.

For the backstitching he would throw that G-F# pair in between two B's or two A's for example.

The upper-hand staccato pair was C#-A and this pair would be thrown in between two G's, two F#'s, or two E's.

# Posted on December 8th 2009 by Richard D Cook

Re: Backstitching

Yeah, what I said in that other thread.

# Posted on December 8th 2009 by DrSilverSpear

Re: Backstitching

Thanks guys

# Posted on December 8th 2009 by Alex Wilding