Irish Dances - Compare and contrast table in GCSE Music

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Created by: tescawesca
Created on: 02-12-13 11:18

Irish Dances - Jig and Reel

Similarities

Strong, regular beat
Emphasis on first beat
Clear phrases (Q&A Pattern)
Melodies often made up of 2x8 bar sections played twice, making a 32 bar melody in total
Binary structure (AABB)
Use of sequences in the melody
The melody is played in unison
Simple harmonies
Often in major keys or minor modes
Traditional Irish instruments include: Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Accordion, Guitar, Wooden Flutes, Villeann Pipes (like Bagpipes), Bodhran, Spoons

Differences

The JIG is in compound time (6/8, 9/8) and is fast and lively
The REEL is in duple time (2/4, 4/4) and features quaver movement and emphasis on 1st and 3rd beat

Overall comparison

The main difference between the two dances is the time signature. However, both dances are social and performance dances. Modern Irish music combines folk rhythms with modern beats and both synthesizers and live instruments are used.

Comments

Samuel Richardson

Report Thu 2nd January, 2014 @ 10:36

It's useful to have a chart comparing the jig and the reel in order to learn their subtle differences, and help us to not get them confused!