Sheet Music: La Bastringue

TitleLa Bastringue
Alternate titlesMademoiselle, voulez-vous danser
ComposerTraditional Canadian
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyD major
RangeA4–B5
Time signature4/4
Tempo176 BPM
Performance time0:45
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (54 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (366 kB)
Date added2021-10-21
Last updated2021-10-21
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.4 (below average)
Categories
Reels, Traditional/Folk

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Thursday 21 October 2021

Tune of the Day: La Bastringue

Traditional Canadian reel

“La Bastringue” (a French word for a dance hall) has its origins in an old French tune which might date as far back as the 17th century. It appears set in 6/8 time in a number of 19th-century English collections, such as Wilson's A Companion to the Ballroom (1816), under the title “Voulez-vous danser”.

In French Canada the tune became a “party song” which tells of an older man who wants to dance “La Bastringue” with a girl. He soon finds that he isn't up to the pace, and to save face he tries to beg off by feigning concern for the woman's stamina. She proves equal to the task, though, and the man finally just has to give up.

Thanks to Phil for suggesting this tune!