Tune Types Flashcards
What are the 7 tune types I need to know?
Hornpipe, Polka, Waltz, Air, Reel, Jig, Slide
Describe the hornpipe tune’s history
16th-century English dance form, associated with sailing (ex. Sailor’s Hornpipe)
Describe the hornpipe tune musically
4/4 time - but slower than a reel, bouncy & swinging feel (“pizza, pizza”)
Describe the polka’s history
Originated in the Czech Republic as an imitation of Polish dances, associated with the southwest area of Ireland - Slibah Luachra (though polkas are found everywhere in Ireland)
Describe the polka musically
2/4 time, upbeat dance tune, binary form (AABB), players will emphasize the off-beats in Slibah Luchra (similar to rhythm and blues)
Describe the Waltz’s history
originated in Vienna, usually heard at the end of a session or evening of dancing
Describe the Waltz musically
3/4 time, moderate speed, generally emphasizes beat 1 (Sww)
Describe an Air’s history
Some are based on sean-nos songs
Describe an Air musically
slow tune, usually in free meter (no steady beat or pattern), usually played solo
Describe a reel’s history
Scottish in origin, came to Ireland in the late 18th century, most popular tune type!
Describe a reel musically
4/4 time (watermelon, watermelon, to identify), binary form
Describe a jig’s history
Originated in England during the 16th century, became extremely popular in baroque music across Europe (example: Bach)
Describe a jig musically
triple time (6/8 or 9/8), usually in binary form, can identify by saying “carrots and cabbages”, DOUBLE JIG - 6/8, SLIP JIG - 9/8
Describe a slide’s history
Popular in the Sliabh Luchra region in the SouthWest of Ireland (like polkas), related to Newfoundland
Describe a slide musically
12/8 time, up-tempo dance tune (bouncier than double jigs and slip jigs), usually in the binary form (but 4 measure sections), rhythmic pattern is often “long+short” (quarter note + eighth note - “humpty dumpty”)
