I'd like to respond to the piper who comprehends the concept of having an introduction to the music of most of our three-four retreat pieces. Take for example, The Green Hills of Tyroll, After the Battle, Balmoral, or Pipe-Major J.K. Cairns, There are many more three-fours to consider, but these will serve as examples. He was asking for a video if that were possible. I'm sorry that I don't have a video but I'll give careful instructions and maybe someone in the band can record the playing of a favorite three-four after making the corrections on the page of music.
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I have to say that would be going to greater lengths than necessary, even to use a video, but these days, people are oriented to visual demonstrations. I suggest, that such a piece of music should be set out before you, and with a pencil, you should draw the first bar immediately after the first two notes. There, you have the introduction. After that, count three beats and draw another bar. Do so until you have completed the first part. It will leave you with the introduction for the second part in the last bar of the first part. The first note to emphasize in the second part will be in the very next bar.. You will know this by the emphasis given straight away on the left foot and that the emphasis is by giving the high A its proper length of time. I'm thinking of The Green Hills or of Pipe Major J. K.Cairns as I write this note. In the latter tune, it will be the E that is emphasized.
That's the significant part about playing retreats to give feeling in the music. The emphasis comes naturally on the left foot all along the way. Some call it the pulsation in the music. That's what music is all about. It has a pulsation, and one just has to feel it, and play accordingly. I'd say one is fighting the natural pulsation in these three fours by playing them out of step. Habitually, pipe bands have begun these tunes on the right foot rather that on the left., thus throwing them out of step right from the start.
When you come to the very last bar in the music, don't leave it unsatisfied for its three beats, but hold the last note for 3 beats, starting the hold on the right foot and ending it on the right foot which is the proper way to play any tune. When you have accomplished what I have set out for you, will you please let us know, and do share your discovery with your friends in the band. They will feel this discovery will be like a breath of fresh air and they'll enjoy playing three-fours like they never did before. All the best, and thank you for writing. I do appreciate your request.
Keith MacDonald, OD
