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Notes
“Fleur de Mandragore” (Mandrake Flower) is a contemporary masterpiece that has rapidly become a standard in the Québécois and broader traditional music scene. Composed by the talented fiddler Michel Bordeleau, who is widely known for his work with the legendary group La Bottine Souriante, the tune is a sophisticated and driving reel in the key of G minor.
The tune is celebrated for its intricate, chromatic melody and its rhythmic complexity, which perfectly captures the “swing” and energy of modern French Canadian folk music. While it was written in the late 20th century, it has the timeless feel of an older traditional tune, making it a favorite for advanced fiddlers and session players. Its A-part features a distinctive, winding melody that moves through minor harmonies, while the B-part opens up with a soaring, rhythmic drive that is often accompanied by vigorous podorythmie (foot-tapping).
Its popularity has seen it travel far beyond Quebec, becoming a staple at fiddle camps and sessions throughout New England and across the Atlantic.