The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #85597   Message #1586946
Posted By: GUEST,Gadaffi
20-Oct-05 - 09:56 AM
Thread Name: Tune Req: Speed in 6/8 time for morris tune
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Speed in 6/8 time for morris tune
Depends on your team's policy for that sort of thing.

Gloucestershire Old Spot (RIP) and Hammersmith always err(ed) on the side of slowness, so the dancers can gain extra height, precision, athleticism and sexiness! To aid this, the tune should be played 'dotted' with the emphasis on the first beat. To get a better feel, look at the dynamic of the dancers feet so you play for the dancing rather than at it.

When all else fails, go to Bampton on Spring Bank Holiday and watch Martin Carthy on the rare moments he is asked to play for the team, and see how he does this - probably not a good guide since the current Bampton style is a whole lot brisker than Longborough.