Putting fiddle tunes into medleys

Subject: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: Marion
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 01:34 AM

I suppose there's already been a thread on this somewhere, but...

I'd like to start organizing the fiddle tunes I have (Irish/Scottish/Maritime) into medleys. What are the conventions governing what tunes can be strung together?

Marion

Subject: RE: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 01:48 AM

First thing is the ending note. No matter what key a tune is in, to start another you ought to start on the same note that the last one ended on, it is easier. Next thing is the overall key signature of every tune. Medleys in the same key are EZ, regardless of time signature. Just slow down or speed up at the end or beginning of the tune, and clue your back up ahead of time. Last thing to worry about is time signature; see above. I do an E minor medley which goes from Road to Lisdoonvarna to Captain O Kane, to Swallowtail Jig, to Logan Water, then back to Lisdoonvarna. The only thing they have in common is the key signature. I also do another medly which is a G medley--You are my sunshine to Snow Deer, to Golden Slippers. None of the time sigs match, but we make it work.

Subject: RE: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 02:10 AM

Some info on the subject here. Tunes In Sets

Subject: RE: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 04:17 AM

Assuming that you're playing for listening rather than for dancing (where obviously there are specific rules) Sorcha's advice is good.  I'd add that not all tunes that look as if they should fit together actually work; it's a question of trying various combinations to see what works for you.  I find, for example, that playing two very similar pieces together, while it may seem like a good idea, can result in chaos in an informal session!  Mixing time signatures needs to be done judiciously or rehearsed carefully, but it can certainly make for interesting medleys if it's done right, as can a key-change from time to time; a shift from G to A can give a real lift to a set.  Too many key-changes in one go can be annoying, of course, but the occasional novelty piece can go down well, such as playing a simple tune of small compass like "Fairy Dance" or "Cock of the North" through a whole succession of keys.  A common traditional format for medleys, incidentally, was the march/strathspey/reel set (Scotland) or the air/set-dance/reel (Ireland).  When playing for listening, the only firm rule is that the result should be enjoyable for musicians and audience.  Have fun!

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: Kim C
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 10:33 AM

We do a few medleys, not necessarily following any sort of convention but they sound good: Seneca Square Dance in G with Soldiers Joy in D; Red Haired Boy in A with Haste to the Wedding in D; The Gal I Left Behind Me and Arkansas Traveller, both in G.

Subject: RE: Putting fiddle tunes into medleys
From: GUEST,Nancy
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 07:43 PM

Hi Marion, I've been playing fiddle for a few years and found a great site that lists songs with the Gif, midi, and suggested medleys! I use it alot. For instance, lets say you want to learn the Kesh Jig, they suggest playing it with Joy of my Life and Blackthorne Stick. All the music is there, it's in the same key (usually, but not all the time), and it gives you plenty to work on! Check it out at:

http://www.blackflute.com/music/tunes.html

Cheers, Nancy