Bouchard’s Hornpipe

Notes

“Bouchard’s Hornpipe” is a spirited and technically engaging tune from the French Canadian fiddle tradition. While the name “Bouchard” is ubiquitous in Quebec, this specific hornpipe is often associated with the legendary fiddler Jean Carignan, who was a master at blending the soulful “crooked” sounds of Quebec with the lightning-fast precision of the Irish and Scottish styles.

As a hornpipe, it carries a sophisticated, jaunty rhythm that sets it apart from the standard reels.

• The Rhythm: It features the classic “swung” or “dotted” feel ($long$–$short$, $long$–$short$) common to hornpipes, but in the French Canadian style, it often incorporates a bit more “snap” and percussive bowing.

• The Key: Usually played in D Major, it takes full advantage of the fiddle’s resonance, making it a bright and commanding “showpiece” tune.

• The Structure: The melody is characterized by intricate, arpeggiated runs and a B-part that often climbs into the higher register, demanding great agility from the player. It has a “regal” quality that sounds just as home in a concert hall as it does at a community kitchen rack.