spring

[Michael Muskett]

I recently heard a pleasant performance of Chanson de Mai (HG Method p.80). Ever since the beginning of  agriculture people have celebrated the coming of spring with song,dance and ritual. The most popular dance is the ring dance with a pulse of about 96 bpm each beat being subdivided into 3.  This may be written as 3/8, 3/4, or even 3/2.  It is a common error to think that the time signature indicates tempo (speed), for it does not. It indicates only the relationship between notes. This means that semiquavers (16ths) may be played fast or slow according to the music.

The only guides to tempo are words such as fast/slow in various languages and the functional purpose of the music, for which one must seek. 

The Sorcerers’ Apprentice is written in 3/8 and  is a guide to this piece. 

Please play merry dances in springtime and not dirges. I shall be listening!

May I say that playing fast to show off ones’ technique is against the purpose of music and in doing so one risks losing the basic pulse, making it sound frantic rather than controlled —  and impossible to dance to. 

Happy days!

[Roy Trotter]

     Thank You .  Most of those tunes have some meaning or function that gets lost at the races. Having played for dances and sitting in at sessions that are truly races ... well, that looses it's novelty pretty quick....

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[Neil Brook]

Hi Michael
All valid points. Is there a reprint of the method in prospect? I am regularly asked for copies by customers.
Best wishes
Neil