Strathspey (dance) facts for kids

A strathspey is a special kind of dance tune that comes from Scotland. It's played in 4
4 time, which means it has four beats in each measure. Strathspeys are known for their unique "dotted rhythms," which make them sound bouncy and lively. These rhythms often include quick, short notes followed by longer ones, sometimes called "Scotch snaps." You might recognize strathspey rhythms in songs like "The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond" or "Coming Through the Rye."

Strathspeys can be played at different speeds. For Highland dance, they are usually around 108 beats per minute. For step dance, they can be as fast as 160 beats per minute! Often, a strathspey is followed by a reel. Reels are faster tunes in 2
2 time with more even notes. This change from the strathspey's bouncy rhythm to the reel's steady beat feels like a fun release of energy!

Some people think that strathspeys sound a bit like Scottish Gaelic songs. Traditional musicians sometimes learn strathspeys using a singing style called canntaireachd. This is where they use special syllables to make the sounds of bagpipe music with their voices.

What is a Strathspey?

The Music of Strathspey

A strathspey's music is very distinctive. The 4
4 time signature gives it a steady pulse. The "dotted rhythms" are what make it truly special. Imagine a long note followed by a very short, quick note – that's a "Scotch snap"! These snaps give the music a playful, energetic feel.

When played by traditional musicians, these rhythms are often made even more noticeable. This creates a lively sound that makes you want to dance. The way a strathspey leads into a reel is also important. The reel's smooth, even rhythm offers a contrast to the strathspey's bouncy style.

Dancing the Strathspey

The name "strathspey" comes from the Strathspey region in Scotland. This area is found in Moray and Badenoch and Strathspey. The word refers to both the type of music and the dance that goes with it.

The strathspey is a key part of Scottish country dancing. These dances are social and involve groups of people. The first time the word "Strathspey" was used for a specific dance was in a document from 1749. A typical Scottish country dance event will include an equal number of strathspeys, jigs, and reels.

The steps for a strathspey are slower and more graceful than the quick "skip-change" steps used for jigs and reels. This makes the strathspey dance feel more elegant and stately. Strathspeys are also important in pipe band competitions. Modern pipe bands often have to play a march, a strathspey, and a reel to show their skill.

Where Did Strathspeys Come From?

Famous Composers and Players

Many strathspeys were created in the 1700s and 1800s. Composers like William Marshall, James Scott Skinner, and Magdalene Stirling wrote many memorable tunes. They used the full range of the fiddle to make their music rich and exciting.

James Scott Skinner even made a difference between strathspeys meant for dancing and those meant for listening. Dance tunes had a sharp, distinct bowing style. Listening tunes, called "airs," were more flowing. More recently, Muriel Johnstone has composed beautiful piano strathspeys.

Today, there are several types of strathspeys. Some are bouncy, some are strong, and some are like songs or airs. All of these can be enjoyed for dancing. There are also "competition strathspeys" for the Great Highland bagpipe. These are designed to show off a piper's amazing skill. While competition versions can be very complex, traditional pipers often play simpler, more rhythm-focused tunes.

Strathspeys Around the World

Strathspeys have traveled beyond Scotland, changing slightly in different places.

Irish "Highlands"

In Ireland, especially in the Donegal region, strathspeys are sometimes called "highlands." These tunes are played with four clear beats in each measure, just like in Scotland. However, Irish "highlands" often have a smoother sound. The dotted rhythms tend to become long sections of "triplets," which are groups of three notes played in the time of two.

Cape Breton Style

In Cape Breton, Canada, strathspeys have their own unique flavor. The "snaps" in Cape Breton strathspeys can appear at any point in the music. They are often described as being more "wild" than in Scottish playing. These Cape Breton snaps usually follow a consistent pattern within a tune, shared by local musicians.

Learning More About Strathspeys

Collections of Tunes

If you want to explore more strathspeys, there are many printed collections. One famous book is Keith MacDonald's "The Skye Collection of the Best Reels and Strathspeys," published in 1887. It contains over 400 tunes! A tune called "Monymusk" is one of the most frequently recorded strathspeys. It was first written around 1789.

See also

• List of Scottish country dances