strathspey@strathspey.org:45434

RODERICK JOHNSTON

RE: Reels and Hornpipes

May 31, 2006, 1:20 p.m. (Message 45434, in reply to message 45432)

This issue of time signatures goes across the board and doesn't just
apply to reels and hornpipes.  The same occurs in maches 2/4 and 4/4.
For some reason, I think purely due to the whims of the composer, many
4/4 marches are written as 2/4 which when sight reading for the first
time can cause an amusing moment.
   
  3/4 retreat marches are another source of confusion for novice
  musicians. I remember the first time I saw a 3/4 pipe march and
  played it as a waltz until I was suitably chastised.
   
  Rod Johnston,
Fort Willaim 

Patricia Ruggiero <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx> wrote:
  Thanks to John and Steve for, um, kinda sorta clarifying this matter of the
time signature. At least now I know I haven't been misunderstanding some
important and perhaps obvious fact about what 4/4 time means.


Pat