24th of June

Notes

Le 24 juin” (The 24th of June) is a spirited Québécois reel composed by the influential musician Philippe Bruneau. Created in honor of Quebec’s national holiday, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, the tune has become a modern standard in the French-Canadian and New England folk traditions. With its driving G-major melody and infectious rhythmic energy, it is a favorite for high-speed fiddle sets and a testament to the enduring creativity of the Québécois musical heritage.

“Le 24 juin” (The 24th of June) is a vibrant and relatively modern addition to the Québécois traditional repertoire. While many tunes in this tradition are centuries old, this particular piece has a very specific and celebrated origin.

The Story Behind the Tune

The tune was composed by the legendary Québécois accordionist Philippe Bruneau. It was written to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24th), which is the national holiday of Quebec. Bruneau was a central figure in the revival of French-Canadian traditional music, and his compositions often bridge the gap between traditional folk roots and more complex, modern arrangements.

Though written for the accordion, the tune has been enthusiastically adopted by fiddlers and mandolinists throughout North America, particularly in New England where French-Canadian culture has a deep-rooted presence.

Musical Characteristics

• Rhythm: It is a high-energy reel in 4/4 time. It is characterized by a “driving” feel that is common in Québécois music, intended to keep dancers’ feet moving.

• Key: Traditionally played in G Major, it utilizes the full range of the instrument with bright, cascading melodic lines.

• Style: Like many Philippe Bruneau compositions, it features interesting rhythmic shifts and “crooked” elements (extra beats or irregular phrasing) that give it a sophisticated and playful character.