Steve, Thanks for the abundant and most helpful information on "cuts"! Yes, the "cut" is an Irish shake... or so I read in one of my music books. I'm fascinated by the notation you have for the tune (the 1st beat as a dotted eighth followed by a 16th). I don't think your music needs clarification... but it certainly is fascinating how music is recorded in a very personal and regional way by different players. I, too, am self-taught after years of classical lessons and I am encouraged by your concurrence on doing the shake on an upbow in this tune. I agree that it's easier to get speed doing things that way and I hardly think laziness applies as far as you learning it another way... it's probably just good common sense! (Or maybe it's that I like to be right and I'm glad you agree with me!) I'm grateful for the good base classical gave me but find self-teaching on fiddle (without the benefit of lessons or others to play and learn with) to be daunting. Your gracious advice and information are much appreciated. I looked around a bit for an online guide of fiddle ornament definitions but couldn't find anything significant. To the extent that I can help unravel anything, I'm pleased to help. (BTW, I think the term "cut" is predominantly a Cape Breton thing; I learned it from Natalie MacMaster in a workshop but haven't heard or seen it termed that anywhere else. I need to figure out what term is most used and change my thinking toward greater global understanding (my contribution to world peace I suppose). Dianne Posted to Scots-L - The Traditional Scottish Music & Culture List - To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html
