I agree, Captain - it is possible (and happens all too often) that the pace of the music strips it of dignity and enjoyment of the listener.

That said : I once heard an outfit play O'Carolan's "Hewlett" as if it were a slow march. It was DIRE.

When I asked why, I was told (by a snooty Englishwoman, if you don't mind) : "This is how O'Carolan would have played it".

As Eric Morecambe was wont to say "there's no answer to that".

Regards, Bryn