I play the Foxhunter’s Reel (Patrick Kelly’s) in G rather than A on the pipes and flute, it sounds nice and is more pipe/flute friendly. I’m thinking of learning the tune in A as well as fiddler’s seem to like this key. Any of you pipers/fluters out there play the Foxhunter’s in A?
By the way, what an ugly looking set of sticks on the cover of the latest issue of An Piaobaire. I assume that they sound better than they look. Is this the modified/desecrated Kenna set that’s been talked about. Who on earth put on those horrific looking, turned billiard balls, Matt Kiearan prehaps? Dear oh dear.
I have only played this tune in G on the fiddle or whistle…but confess that I have been tempted to try in out in A. I suppose it is a matter of personal taste, but I like its tone/feel best when played in G…that, and it allows more creativety by utilizing open D and G strings…and relevent chording.
Foxhunters is friendliest on the pipes in G. Playing in A seems a tendancy of many fiddle players. Years ago I was at a session where someone started Foxhunters in A and Tim Britton played right along on pipes. Not easy to do. A big help to have an A flat key for this. Playing tunes well in straight A (as opposed to A modal) on the pipes can be a real challenge.
ANd the mounts are ribbed for extra pleasure.:roll: Mal bought them in an antique shop without intervention of Matt Kiernan. The body is Ryan the chanter Kenna. Mal likes to believe it is all Kenna.
I always liked this set, for it’s over the top once off uglyness. Now, people being proud having a replica made, that’s where really bad taste comes in..
I haven’t seen the latest An Píobaire yet… so it’s the bee hive set then?
I thought that was a very intereseting looking set. Had the op to own it once but couldn’t afford it… also the idea of trying to get it going well was dubious… a new B set was on it’s way at the time anyway so I had my hands full. That set has turned out to be a truly great instrument.
