Frank Ferrel workshop in November
Frank presented a sweet air in G, that he composed in 2022, (after a Gig in Skye with The Boys of the Lough), a 19th century hornpipe in D, and a brisk James Scott Skinner reel in A.
He played the air, Memories of Skye, at a pace as if rowing a boat, (think Mingulay Boat song or Dark Island), with liberal use of turns and other ornaments.
The following summarizes his thoughts on a concert performance arrangement:
He suggested that there should be a strong 'cello' voice, and to remember to have Violin 2 accentuate the five note BCBAB 'turn' in measure 15 of the A part.
As to dynamic structure, Frank suggested that B part get quiet in measure 7 (with an echo of dBG notes), stay quiet all the rest of B part first time through. Then on repeat of B part crescendo to mF until measure 8-9 then mp and adding a trill or turn on the dotted quarter note B in measure 12 and rall. (gradually slow down) through 13 - to 16 out - counting 4,5,6, rest a beat.
For more information on musical dynamics, check out this webpage from SUNY.
Start the hornpipe with the strong pickup notes (2 distinct up bows -AG- and a strong down bow F#) at the new tempo for the hornpipe.
The pace should increase in the reel, then end the set with a Scottish chord.
By popular request, he played through with the group, tunes that he had composed, Spin and Glo & New Stove from our current concert set June Jigs . Then he played some of his favorite tunes for us……..
I was very impressed with the musical approach that he had on playing the 'Eagles Whistle' (6.27) in scordatura (i.e. cross-tuning AEAE for violins). He followed that by playing the Full Rigged Ship, and The New Rigged Ship, both in our repertoire (10.1 & 22.06)
Here's the link to Frank playing on his CD ‘Yankee Dreams’:
I’m writing this after the December gathering where we tried out this approach. Eagle’s Whistle, with bodhran, drones and sparse accompaniment, was followed seamlessly by the strings, who have the Full Rigged Ship by themselves, unaccompanied. Everyone joins back in for the New Rigged Ship.
I appreciate that the music committee was accepting of this new idea, which was really having fun with the music
You can find the 'dots' of the first draft of the 'Eagle’s - Ships' set here. Just use the last 2 pages if you aren’t playing any harmony.
All in all, it was a very productive and enjoyable workshop.
