I'm writing an article about the speed of Scottish tunes using my own research based on recordings of dance bands, although I've just noticed that I didn't note any Strathspeys. I've always been under the impression that a Strathspey would be played slower than a reel, but looking at 'The Caledonian Companion', Alastair Hardie gives reels at 120-128, "Most reels, however, will benefit from the less breathless tempo of 108-116...". He gives the Strathspey tempo as between 126-138, considerably faster than the reel. He has marches at 92-100, even-rhythmed hornpipes at 104-112, and uneven-rhythmed hornpipes at 69-76, which does seem rather slow to me. I'd like to hear your opinions.
For your interest, here are my findings: Jigs: 118-126 Marches: 108-116 Reels: 118-126 Hornpipes: 86-88 I have to say I did this survey some years ago, and I haven't verified it lately. -- Nigel Gatherer, Crieff, Scotland [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/gatherer/ Posted to Scots-L - The Traditional Scottish Music & Culture List - To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html
