Scottish Waltz

**Tim Little** · 27th September 10, 12:33 PM

Hmmm.... That Howie MacDonald version of "Skye Boat" is probably more of Viennese tempo -- "Midwinter Waltz" is somewhere in between, I guess -- but OC Richard's post reminded my of "My Home".

I personally associate the tune more with somber occasions like funerals, but it might fit the bill for a slow waltz?

**OC Richard** · 28th September 10, 08:12 PM

I'm reminded of an interview with perhaps our greatest film composer, John Williams, who stated that the most important thing about scoring a particular scene was getting the tempo right. More important that anything else: melody, key, etc.

When piping at a funeral or wedding, the piper is in effect providing the soundtrack for the event, and I agree that the tempo is the most imporant thing to get right.

The same tune can be played at a funeral as a lament, or during communion as a contemplative piece, or for a celebratory wedding recessional, by adjusting the tempo. (I've used Farewell to the Creeks for all of these things, and it could be used as a waltz as well.)

So any tune in 3/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, or what have you can be played for any sort of waltz by using the appropriate tempo.

**Tim Little** · 30th October 10, 02:12 PM

Dave -- Did you finally decide on something?

**davedove** · 31st October 10, 03:56 AM

I think I've got one I can work with. It's Calum Kennedy's "Skyline of Skye". It's got a slow tempo and isn't too long (good for showcases). It's main drawback is that his lyrics often don't follow the melody, so you have to listen harder for the beat, but I can manage that. I even have a basic plot for the performance.