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Notes
“The Growling Old Man and Cackling Old Woman” (also known as La chicaneuse in French) is a beloved reel that holds a prominent place in both French-Canadian and American Old-Time fiddle traditions. Its playful title is reflected in the music itself, which uses contrasting registers to depict a humorous musical “argument.”
The tune is typically played in A minor and A major, creating a stark tonal shift between its two sections:
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The A-part (The “Man”): Played on the lower strings (G and D), this section has a gravelly, rhythmic “growl” that stays in a lower register.
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The B-part (The “Woman”): Shifts to the higher strings (A and E) and usually moves into the major key, providing a bright, sharper contrast to the first half.
This juxtaposition makes it a favorite for contra dances and sessions, as it provides a natural rhythmic drive and plenty of opportunities for expressive, “argumentative” bowing. While its origins are likely French or Acadian, it has traveled widely and is now a standard repertoire piece across North America, from Quebec to the Appalachian mountains.