Hommage à Edmond Parizeau

Notes

“Hommage à Edmond Parizeau” is a quintessential French-Canadian reel that has become a staple in the Québécois and New England folk traditions. Like many “hommage” tunes, it serves as a musical salute to a master of the craft, specifically honoring the accordionist Edmond Parizeau.

A Modern Classic

The tune was composed by the legendary accordionist and composer Marcel Messervier, who is a towering figure in Quebec’s musical history.

• The Tribute: Messervier wrote this piece to honor his friend and fellow musician Edmond Parizeau, capturing the rhythmic vitality and joy inherent in Parizeau’s playing style.

• The Style: It is a Reel, designed for high-energy dancing and social gatherings. It is known for its infectious, driving rhythm that keeps both musicians and dancers on their toes.

Musical Characteristics

This tune is beloved for its balanced structure and the way it flows naturally across the strings.

• The Key: It is typically played in G Major, making it very accessible for mandolin, fiddle, and accordion players.

• The Structure: Following the traditional AABB pattern, the “A” part introduces a jaunty, descending theme, while the “B” part provides a spirited response that often involves rhythmic “scrambling” or syncopated accents typical of the Québécois style.

• The “Swing”: To play it with the proper feel, musicians often emphasize the backbeat or use subtle ornaments like “crans” (triplets) to mimic the bellows-driven sound of the accordion.