g hurdy-gurdies and bagpipes for church processions and feast days (ex. 55). in contrast to the Spanish method of playing the hurdy-gurdy, in France not only are folk dances with simple melodies played, but there are also pieces with runs and quick ornaments (ex. 56). When used as a dance instrument the dance rhythm is marked with the help of the hurdy-gurdy's trompette, whereby the melody is accented as well. This rhythm which is the basis of the corresponding dance is indicated in the dance melodies by dotted rhythms (ex. 57).
As in other countries the hurdy-gurdy and the musette have the same repertoire in France. This is not just expressed by the frequent use of both instruments together. The one instrument can be used for the other as well, depending upon which instrument is available. Dance melodies whose titles indicate their origin from the bagpipes belong as well to the repertoire of the hurdy-gurdy, as for example "La Chevre" (ex. 58), a name which refers to the bagpipes, also called 'chevrette' in France. Similarly another dance piece played on the hurdy-gurdy has the title "Le cornemuseux de Marmignolles" (ex. 59).
Aside from the march, polka, gigue and above all the bourrée (see page 60), which was danced by couples "offen ohne Anfassen zur Sackpfeife oder Drehleier" [trans: JW: "(dancing) apart, without touching, to the bagpipe or hurdy-gurdy"][fn]. Waltzes are especially popular. They are widespread throughout the whole of France as 'musette' waltzes andare especially popular today in the repertoire of accordion orchestras or of accordion soloists. Presumably
the name of the waltz 'musette' is related to the French bagpipes called 'musette', which means that this name was transferred to the piece itself from the instrument on which this dance was originally played. As early as the 18th century 'musette' denoted a slow dance, for which a drone sounding below the melody was characteristic.
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Alden and Cali Hackmann
Olympic Musical Instruments
© Original text in German copyright 1977, Verlag für systematische Musikwissenschaft GmbH
© Translation copyright 2005, Olympic Musical Instruments and the Bröcker Tranlation Group