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A
collection of traditional dance tunes transcribed during festou noz (breton
dance evenings) and on other occasions, and from recordings of traditional
music.
From generation to generation
The repertoire is part of the traditional folk music of the region which
has been passed on from generation to generation, from master to pupil,
from singer to musician… evolving throughout time.
Traditional or not?
Some of the tunes are very old, some have been composed more recently.
In Brittany, traditional music is often enriched by personal additions,
and it is not easy, and sometimes impossible, to tell when a tune has been
composed recently when it is based on traditional modes.
Different ways to play
This collection is for those who are looking for new tunes, or finding
old tunes they have forgotten. Each tune can be played in different ways,
the written notation should just be used as a basis for each musician to
develop on in his own style.
Listening is important
It is of the greatest importance to absorb as much traditional music as
possible through listening before being able to reproduce the traditional
styles yourself. The given tempos are only a basic guide (metronomes don’t
always agree with each other !..)
Breton dances
Breton dances are very repetitive. The main theme is played several times
over adding variations as you go along. Most of the dances are danced in
chains or lines, into which other dancers can be added at any moment.
Few basic rules
Music played for dancing should follow a few basic rules : be careful to
follow the tempo and the accented notes, do not mix up different dances
together, always make up a set of several different themes for each dance
to make the dance more interesting musically. There are no rules for the
length of sets.
distribution
: Paul Beuscher
www.paul-beuscher.com
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