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Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'

06 Jan 04 - 09:09 AM (#1087042)
Subject: Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'
From: Kudzuman

I checked the database with several different words/phrases and came up with nothing on this, so pardon if its already been flogged to death. I know that such tunes as Oldham Rant and Morpeth Rant are dance tunes, but why are they called "Rants"? Thanks any and all in advance.

Kudzuman


06 Jan 04 - 10:17 AM (#1087084)
Subject: RE: Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'
From: wysiwyg

According to Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary, "A country dance of Scotland and Northern England related to the jig. The rant is in duple meter and binary form. Surviving examples are dated from the 17th and 18th centuries."

According to the Scots glossary here at Mudcat:
rant = romp+ sing a tune+ fuss+ complain
rant = to rollick

So.... it's about the feel and tempo of the tune, and about what the listeners will do, upon hearing it?

~Susan


06 Jan 04 - 10:30 AM (#1087095)
Subject: RE: Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'
From: GUEST,Animaterra- gotta get my cookie!

There's also a clogging step called a rant.

Allison


06 Jan 04 - 10:34 AM (#1087099)
Subject: RE: Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'
From: Malcolm Douglas

Dance Technique:   Rant Step


06 Jan 04 - 10:59 AM (#1087117)
Subject: RE: Origins: Why are they called 'Rants'
From: GUEST,tom guest

sae wantonly and sae dauntedly/and sae rantingly gaed he/he played a tune and he danced aroon /below the gallows tree.
If I remember McPherson's lament correctly