Pointe au Pic

“Pointe-au-Pic” (also known as Le Reel de la Pointe-au-Pic) is widely considered the “National Anthem” of French Canadian fiddling. Named after a picturesque village in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, this tune is the benchmark by which many Québécois fiddlers are measured. It is a sophisticated, multi-part reel that captures the elegance and the relentless energy of the tradition.

The tune is a true showpiece, known for several distinct features:

• The “Clog” Rhythm: It is often played as a money musk or a “clog,” with a heavy emphasis on the downbeat to accompany the rhythmic foot-tapping (podorythmie) of the fiddler.

• The Structure: Unlike a standard two-part reel, “Pointe-au-Pic” is often played with three or even four distinct sections. It moves between a stately, melodic opening and a high-energy “climbing” section.

• The Key of C: Unusually for a popular fiddle tune, it is traditionally played in C Major. This gives it a bright, “piano-like” clarity and a different resonance than the more common D and G major reels.

Background: The tune was popularized by a 1938 recording by Quebec fiddler Joseph Bouchard (1905-1979), though it also appeared in J.A. Boucher’s Le Répertoire du Violoneux in 1933. Interestingly, researchers traced it back to a schottische by Boston composer Lawrence B. O’Connor called “Four Little Blackberries,” published in 1907.

About the chords: The A part sits in A minor territory (using C, G, F, Dm, Am) giving it that darker, modal character, while the B part shifts into a brighter C major feel centered on Am, G, and C. The chromatic passing chords (D7, A7, F#dim in the original) give it a lively, slightly jazzy Quebec flavour. The tune is traditionally played in C, though at home in Quebec it’s sometimes heard in D because accordion players tend to favor that key.