La Valsounette

"La Valsounette", written by Breton fiddler Jacky Molard and recorded by him and Jean-Michel Veillon on the original Pennou Skoulm album. This tune is one I have long wanted to play (I seem in my old age to be developing a penchant for kinky waltzes!) but couldn't manage to pick up by ear from the recording - I have at long last acquired and corrected a written notation for it (cf: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=493475504270&set=a.47278014270.551...) and have been working at being able to play it - I need to improve my breathing in it in particular, but it is getting there - enough for me to decide to record it, on my 52nd birthday! It is played on my 1843 Rudall & Rose 8-key Simple System flute with the new (summer 2010) head-joint made for it by Chris Wilkes.

Note (added 4:1:11): I've now transferred and uploaded the original Pennou Skoulm track (CD is not currently available) to Box.net: http://www.box.net/shared/tzpoijjary.
J-MV does quite a bit of octave-folding, and boy, is it fast! Sounds almost as though he might be playing F flute, except there are low Es which I know the F flute he played then didn't have..... so must be a normal D flute.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jemtheflute
• Jem Hammond
• La Valsounette
• Jacky Molard
• traditional
• Breton
• waltz
• valse
• wooden flute
• Irish flute
• flute
• Pennou Skoulm.

[MattLFraser]

This is absolutely beautiful! : )

[Jemtheflute]

@MattLFraser: Thanks, Matt. 6 months on and I'm playing it rather better - ought to do a retake, really.......

[klezmerflute]

Great waltz, with some kick to the harmonic scheme and jaunty rhythms. don't know how any of you out there enjoy playing w/out backup like guitar. I'm hearing the chords and wish I could REALLY hear them. When you make the CD, you'll have backup, yes? Make me happy? Seems difficult with the various need for lever pushing by your right knuckle. Gotta go back and listen again to see what note your grabbing. Ah, it's C. I tend to use the traverso C but I play German system so probably different.

[Jemtheflute]

@klezmerflute - thanks Adrianne! I think (need to go check!) that when Jacky and Jean-Michel recorded it originally they did it without any backing - just flute and fiddle.... but I'm sure you'd knock up a cracking chordal accompaniment!

It isn't all that difficult.

[Jemtheflute]

Yes, C nats with the long C key - actually easier that way than with the cross-fingering in those contexts (I use cross fingering too where handier, especially in the 1st 8ve...) - but in this case in that final triplet variation I use the key in the 2nd 8ve, which I wouldnt normally do, as the standard 8-key cross fingering is awkward in context. The keyed 2nd 8ve note is a bit flat on my flute, but that's not significant at that speed and with the on-beat push.....

[othannen]

Jem, why don't you record a tune one time played on the Wilkes head and one time on the original heard? I'm curious...

[Jemtheflute]

@othannen - Lorenzo, if you recall there was a C&F thread discussing such matters a while back and I said I'd do just that - time has been a problem. I did some comparative audio clips but haven't yet had a chance to edit or post them. I'll get there eventually.

[MattLFraser]

@Jemtheflute haha - I've really started becoming interested in woodwind instruments. I work at an 18th Century Fortress and the fife is used (and drums) and I picked up most of the marching tunes from there. I'd love to get more into Irish tunes and what-not. I personally love playing the instruments. I've also picked up a bit on the tin-whistle. : )

[klezmerflute]

Just listened again. Sure sounds difficult, no matter what fingerings you use!

[TheCherokeeboy]

I love the valse. And Happy birthday Jem.