Notes

“The Butterfly” is one of the most iconic and recognizable tunes in the Irish tradition. While it sounds like it could be centuries old, it was actually composed by the legendary Irish fiddler Tommy Potts, who based it on older fragments he had heard. It is a Slip Jig, which is a unique and elegant dance form set in 9/8 time.

The tune is named for its light, fluttering melody, which mimics the delicate movement of a butterfly’s wings.

• The Rhythm: The 9/8 time signature gives the tune a “three-beat” feel ($1$–$2$–$3$, $1$–$2$–$3$, $1$–$2$–$3$), but with an added hop and skip that distinguishes it from a standard 6/8 jig. It is often described as “stately” or “ethereal.”

• The Key: It is played in E Minor (specifically E Dorian), giving it a haunting, modal quality that feels both ancient and mysterious.

• The Structure: Unlike most traditional tunes that have two parts (A and B), “The Butterfly” is a three-part tune. It starts low and grounded, rises in the second part, and reaches a fluttering, high-register peak in the third part.zx