yes you can. and I think its a very good idea. in my experience most competitors are of the same standard in competion and the adjudicators find it very hard to differenciate between them . If you can stand out from the crowd than you have a very good chance.
to continue on from my last post. a slow air set dance or march or barndance are good alternatives to the jigs and hornpipes that are usually hashed out in competition. They also help differenciate you from the rest.
If the answer to the last is yes, then except for the very young ages you'd be expected to show the ability to play reels at normal speed. That doesn't mean blazing fast, but too slow probably wouldn't do it.
On the other hand if you are trying to play as well as you realistically can to get the judge's evaluation, and you are not up to a fast reel, then play slow. Better slow and good than fast and crappy.
I have never entered a fleadh, nor do I intend to. But, for what it's worth, here's my take.
The following comes from the official CCE rules for Fleadhanna Ceoil:
"14. Tunes to be played at competitions shall be selected from the following, in accordance with the Clár na gComórtas, designed by CEC - Air (slow or lively), Reel, Polka, Hornpipe, Jig (double, single, slip), Slide, Set Dance, March, Mazurka, Planxty, Fling, Barn Dance, Schottische, Clan March."
So, "slow reel" is not listed among the tune types to choose from. I would think that, to qualify as a "reel", a tune would need to be played fast enough to be recognisable as a reel - somewhere within, or at least close to, the range of tempos that dancers would require.
But the categorisation "Air (slow or lively)" seems to me to be conveniently vague. Whilst the term "slow air" denotes a particular genre within traditional music, entailing a particular style of execution, the term "air" alone is much more general, and could include more or less any tune that is not suitable for dancing or marching to. Perhaps CCE have some rules that I am not aware of ,on what can and cannot pass for an "air", but I would think that, if you were to slow down a reel enough, you could legiimately call it an air.
It should be noted that while reels can and often are played slowly, there is no such tune type as a "slow reel" that can be differentiated from reels played slowly.
In other words, don't just take a reel and play it slow, or you won't win, because one of the criteria will be whether you can play reels at a "proper" tempo.
Age and instrument matter, too, because a "slow air" is required for Pipes, flute, whistle and fiddle in the D group.
By the way, while you can play any four tune types, I've heard it would be very unlikely if you didn't play a reel.
I don't like the competitions but I awlays understood that as a rule of thumb if you want a chance you need to include a jig and a reel, missing out either will go likely go against you. (Although the jig can be double single or slip, and slides are considered a seperate type of tune).
Always wondered what a "lively"air was, remember discussing it once and deciding air probably meant "song tune" and thus "lively" air a faster song.
@ chris, yes that is my interpretation as well. "Air" is the standard term used to describe the melody of a song in irish music circles. So it would allow you to play the melody of a song that isn't strictly in the "slow air" category, which is of course referring to the melody of a traditional or sean nos style song.
It’s some time since I was involved in CCE events like the Fleadh, but as I understand that the dance tunes still must be played at dance tempo.
CMO and nico and rambling have got it right in their posts. A reel is a must; I don’t recall a winner who didn’t play a reel. I think it is still mandatory for a slow air to be played in the Senior competition.
As regards slow airs, there is a separate and specific Slow Air Competition in which players submit a list to the adjudicator who then asks you to play their requests from your list.
I hope this is useful, and that if you do enter you have a good time. One of the things I loved about any fleadh was the chance to catch up with and meet new players. Some wonderful friendships have emanated from these occasions.
> I think it is still mandatory for a slow air to be played in the >Senior competition
Worthwhile checking the actual rules on this on the CCE website. I think Brian is right for certain instruments, which IIRC includes flute fiddle pipes and whistle. But it definately isn't the case for mandolin banjo and miscellaneous, and I don't think it holds for free reed instruments either. Of course you have the *option* of playing a slow air in any melody instument class (banjo slow airs: yeuach)
>As regards slow airs, there is a separate and specific Slow >Air Competition in which players submit a list to the >adjudicator who then asks you to play their requests from >your list.
I think the slow air competitions are instrument specific and limited to fiddle, flute, pipes, and (i think) whistle.
In the words of one fleadh adjudicator of my acquaintance, "Speed kills." This does not mean to play slowly, but not to play too fast or too fast for your technique.
I recommend playing your competition reel fast enough to dance to -- it's a dance tune, after all. A danceable speed may turn out to be considerably slower than a lot of other people play, especially those turbo-charged showoffs out there. Don't worry about them. Make sure you keep a steady tempo and recognizable rhythm and let your ornaments ornament rather than dominate the tune. The best comment I ever got was from the toe-tapping adjudicator who wrote "Made me want to dance."
Slow reels in fleadh
Slow reels in fleadh
Can u play a slow reel in the fleadh??
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Jack Phelan
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
y wud u want to do that
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by cairdín
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
for the slow judges?? - the ones with the drooping eyelids, be kind to them etc.?
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by the wounded hussar
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
yes you can. and I think its a very good idea. in my experience most competitors are of the same standard in competion and the adjudicators find it very hard to differenciate between them . If you can stand out from the crowd than you have a very good chance.
ps. ignore the sarky comments in this post
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by mmackerel
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
to continue on from my last post. a slow air set dance or march or barndance are good alternatives to the jigs and hornpipes that are usually hashed out in competition. They also help differenciate you from the rest.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by mmackerel
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
What instrument? What age? Are you trying to win?
If the answer to the last is yes, then except for the very young ages you'd be expected to show the ability to play reels at normal speed. That doesn't mean blazing fast, but too slow probably wouldn't do it.
On the other hand if you are trying to play as well as you realistically can to get the judge's evaluation, and you are not up to a fast reel, then play slow. Better slow and good than fast and crappy.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by curamach
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
I have never entered a fleadh, nor do I intend to. But, for what it's worth, here's my take.
The following comes from the official CCE rules for Fleadhanna Ceoil:
"14. Tunes to be played at competitions shall be selected from the following, in accordance with the Clár na gComórtas, designed by CEC - Air (slow or lively), Reel, Polka, Hornpipe, Jig (double, single, slip), Slide, Set Dance, March, Mazurka, Planxty, Fling, Barn Dance, Schottische, Clan March."
So, "slow reel" is not listed among the tune types to choose from. I would think that, to qualify as a "reel", a tune would need to be played fast enough to be recognisable as a reel - somewhere within, or at least close to, the range of tempos that dancers would require.
But the categorisation "Air (slow or lively)" seems to me to be conveniently vague. Whilst the term "slow air" denotes a particular genre within traditional music, entailing a particular style of execution, the term "air" alone is much more general, and could include more or less any tune that is not suitable for dancing or marching to. Perhaps CCE have some rules that I am not aware of ,on what can and cannot pass for an "air", but I would think that, if you were to slow down a reel enough, you could legiimately call it an air.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
It should be noted that while reels can and often are played slowly, there is no such tune type as a "slow reel" that can be differentiated from reels played slowly.
In other words, don't just take a reel and play it slow, or you won't win, because one of the criteria will be whether you can play reels at a "proper" tempo.
Age and instrument matter, too, because a "slow air" is required for Pipes, flute, whistle and fiddle in the D group.
By the way, while you can play any four tune types, I've heard it would be very unlikely if you didn't play a reel.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Nico
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
to win.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Nico
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
I don't like the competitions but I awlays understood that as a rule of thumb if you want a chance you need to include a jig and a reel, missing out either will go likely go against you. (Although the jig can be double single or slip, and slides are considered a seperate type of tune).
Always wondered what a "lively"air was, remember discussing it once and deciding air probably meant "song tune" and thus "lively" air a faster song.
- chris
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
@ chris, yes that is my interpretation as well. "Air" is the standard term used to describe the melody of a song in irish music circles. So it would allow you to play the melody of a song that isn't strictly in the "slow air" category, which is of course referring to the melody of a traditional or sean nos style song.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Nico
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
Hello Jack!
It’s some time since I was involved in CCE events like the Fleadh, but as I understand that the dance tunes still must be played at dance tempo.
CMO and nico and rambling have got it right in their posts. A reel is a must; I don’t recall a winner who didn’t play a reel. I think it is still mandatory for a slow air to be played in the Senior competition.
As regards slow airs, there is a separate and specific Slow Air Competition in which players submit a list to the adjudicator who then asks you to play their requests from your list.
I hope this is useful, and that if you do enter you have a good time. One of the things I loved about any fleadh was the chance to catch up with and meet new players. Some wonderful friendships have emanated from these occasions.
All the best
Brian xx
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by briantheflute
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
> I think it is still mandatory for a slow air to be played in the >Senior competition
Worthwhile checking the actual rules on this on the CCE website. I think Brian is right for certain instruments, which IIRC includes flute fiddle pipes and whistle. But it definately isn't the case for mandolin banjo and miscellaneous, and I don't think it holds for free reed instruments either. Of course you have the *option* of playing a slow air in any melody instument class (banjo slow airs: yeuach)
- chris
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
>As regards slow airs, there is a separate and specific Slow >Air Competition in which players submit a list to the >adjudicator who then asks you to play their requests from >your list.
I think the slow air competitions are instrument specific and limited to fiddle, flute, pipes, and (i think) whistle.
- chris
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
Yes Chris!
The Slow Air Competitions are instrument specific and I think you have it right with the ones you mention.
And, yes, if a mandolinist wanted to play a Slow Air in their instrument specific class, that's their choice.
I mention mandolin specificall because I did hear some beautiful haunting airs played on this instument, especially Roisin Dubh.
Cheers
Brian x
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by briantheflute
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
you can play a reel in the fleadh, its up to you to play it at the speed you fancy.
# Posted on March 25th 2010 by joyce1
Re: Slow reels in fleadh
In the words of one fleadh adjudicator of my acquaintance, "Speed kills." This does not mean to play slowly, but not to play too fast or too fast for your technique.
I recommend playing your competition reel fast enough to dance to -- it's a dance tune, after all. A danceable speed may turn out to be considerably slower than a lot of other people play, especially those turbo-charged showoffs out there. Don't worry about them. Make sure you keep a steady tempo and recognizable rhythm and let your ornaments ornament rather than dominate the tune. The best comment I ever got was from the toe-tapping adjudicator who wrote "Made me want to dance."
# Posted on March 26th 2010 by Tracie