Indeed - Uncle Jaque, Downfall is one of those that us old-line-drummers, taught by old-line-drummers, had to have off, absolutely perfectly (Eastern sticking, of course, with sticks high - mitts right to the face in the opening bit). A long time friend of mine worked for many years as the "post drummer" at one of these interpretave historical sites, where guides wear period costumes and give tours through the fort (in this case) as if giving a tour to someone from their own period. They'd also do concerts in the parade ground a couple of times a day (no amplification for speakers or musicians - PUSH that sound out). They'd do some standard stuff, then afterward, if there was another drummer around, Dan would play Downfall on fife while the drummer thundered through it. Made MANY people just watch and say "oh my."

The fife & drum downfall is a close relative to the set dance found in O'Neill's, which seems to be a distant relative to the link Sorcha provided. American quicksteps thunder out at 120 beats to the minute and as Uncle Jaque points out, ya gotta have chops to do it right. If ya can't, find a woodshed and practice...

Regards -

Pete