Prelude Polka, Paddy’s Polka No.2, Millstream Reel

Question 1

General knowledge about the band

Answer 1

Formed in 2002.
2004 album-a lovely madness.
Niamh Dunne-fiddle.
Damian McKee-accordion.
Liam Bradley- piano and keyboard.
Seán Óg Graham-accordion and guitar.
Eamon Murray-bodhrán.

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

Bodhrán.
Fiddle.
Accordion.
Piano.
Bass guitar.
Double bass.
Cymbals.

Question 3

Melody

Answer 3

Prelude polka- Aeolian mode transposed to B. The absence of the sharpened seventh (A#) distinguishes the mode from the ordinary minor scale.

Paddy’s Polka no.2- key of A major but is based entirely on the pentatonic scale (the 5 pitches E,F#,A,B,C#).

Millstream reel- key of G major with the second section using a higher set of pitches than the first-a common trait in traditional music.

Question 4

Harmony

Answer 4

Major and minor triads plus added sixth and seventh chords.

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

AABB
Binary form

Question 6

Time signature

Answer 6

2/4

Question 7

Rhythm

Answer 7

Frequent syncopation-where weak off-beats are stressed.
‘Swung’ rhythm where the first note of each pair is lengthened giving the feeling of quaver/semiquaver within a triplet.