Description

Instrumentation: Flute 1, Flute 2 / Descant Recorder, Clarinet in Bb, Violin, Accordion / Piano / Guitar and Cello / Bass.

Rants are lively dances where the step incorporates a hop or lift. Playing these tunes must help give the dances that sense of lift, with clear accents on the strong beats of the bar.

Each instrument is given a chance to add to the melody at some part and this set of dance tunes would be ideal for a ceilidh: for a 4-couple set, simply repeat the first tune in full. For a 5-couple set, play in the order 1 2 3 2 1. For a progressive, long-ways dance, follow the instructions of the caller, probably playing each tune twice, with repeats, before moving on.

As an ensemble, it would also be useful for KS3 and GCSE work / repertoire as well as just being ‘fun’ music to play and enjoy.

The indicated tempo is a little on the slow side and would be better performed at MM = 86.