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Notes
“Catharsis” is a captivating modern reel that has earned a permanent place in the traditional fiddle repertoire. Composed in the 1980s by the Vermont-based musician and teacher Amy Cann, the tune was reportedly written as a way to process a difficult personal experience—a literal musical catharsis.
Musically, it is a driving reel in G minor, known for its dark, haunting melody and its relentless, propulsive energy. The tune features an AABB structure with a particularly evocative B-part that utilizes shifting harmonies and rolling bow strokes. While it originated in the New England contra dance scene, its popularity has exploded internationally; it is now a staple in Irish, Scottish, and Canadian sessions, often praised for its ability to build tension and excitement within a set of tunes.
Its transition from a contemporary composition to a “standard” is a testament to Cann’s ability to capture a timeless, traditional feel while offering something emotionally resonant and technically engaging for modern players.