2021 Reading Week New Fiddle Tunes Project
This coming week is Reading Week at McGill University. Inspired by Oliver Schroer, whose music I’ve been spending a bunch of time listening to and thinking about lately, I’ve set a goal for myself to compose a new fiddle tune every day (9 in total, including both weekends). Over the course of the week, I’ll update this page with sheet music and sound clips for each of the tunes I write. And at the end of the week, I’ll take my favourite and record it as my weekly multitracked video.
If you’re struck by any of these tunes, are inspired to write some of your own, have suggestions for names, or anything really, don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’m excited to hear anything you have to say or play!
Recordings
UPDATE: I've made full recordings of several of these tunes:
Sunday March 7
Sheet Music and Comments
Here's a simple slide that took about 90 seconds to write. I generally take it as a good sign when a tune almost writes itself like this one did, but I'm always a little worried that it's actually an existing tune from a forgotten source....
Saturday March 6
Sheet Music and Comments
Another polka that practically wrote itself.
Friday March 5
Sheet Music and Comments
A rather sappy waltz.
Thursday March 4 – "The Aspen Tree"
Sheet Music and Comments
The final B section sounds crooked, but it isn't.
UPDATE: I've made a proper recording of this tune, which I decided to call The Aspen Tree!
Wednesday March 3
Sheet Music and Comments
This tune really only has one section – it's A, then A'. The key change was inspired by Michel Roy's tune, La chèvre et le chou.
Tuesday March 2 – "The Silver Sphere"
Sheet Music and Comments
Here's a common Irish jig in E minor, except it's a reel in D mixolydian. I'd be curious to hear whether the original springs to mind for people familiar with the repertoire, or whether I've distorted it enough to call it a new tune.
UPDATE: I've made a proper recording of this tune, which I decided to call The Silver Sphere!
Monday March 1
Sheet Music and Comments
This tune is in 7/8, but it switches between groupings of 3+2+2 and 2+2+3.
Sunday February 28
Sheet Music and Comments
I set out to write a tune with an 11-measure A-section and a 13-measure B-section. I succeeded, approximately.
Saturday February 27
Sheet Music and Comments
Here's the first tune. I like how the A section spans such a wide range. The B section sounds a bit plain.
Posted: February 27, 2021. Last updated: Aug 31, 2023.