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Notes
Reel de MontrĂ©al is a quintessential French-Canadian fiddle tune that embodies the energetic and rhythmic spirit of Quebecois traditional music. It is a popular choice for “crooked” (irregularly phrased) tune enthusiasts, although many versions commonly played in New England contra dances have been squared up to a standard 32-bar structure.
The tune is typically played in the key of G Major (often moving to D Major in the B-part). It is celebrated for its bright, leaping melody and the characteristic “swing” that invites step-dancing and rhythmic clogging. Like many Quebecois reels, it likely traces back to the 19th-century ballroom traditions but has been uniquely shaped by generations of French-Canadian fiddlers to emphasize a syncopated, driving pulse.