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Notes
“La Tête Dure” (The Hard Head) is a masterful contemporary reel composed by Claude Méthé, a giant of the Québec traditional music scene. This tune is often paired with his other composition, “Le Rang du Pic Dur”.
The title “La Tête Dure” translates literally to “The Hard Head” or “The Stubborn One.” In the context of Méthé’s music, it carries a sense of grit and persistence that is reflected in the tune’s driving rhythm. Musically, the tune is a classic Québecois reel:
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The Feel: It possesses a relentless, forward-leaning energy that makes it nearly impossible for listeners (or players!) to keep their feet still.
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The Phrasing: It features the intricate, soulful ornamentation that Méthé is known for—a style that bridges the gap between old-world tradition and modern technical precision.
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The Set: When played after “Le Rang du Pic Dur,” it acts as a high-octane “closer,” pushing the tempo and the percussive “swing” of the performance to a peak.
For anyone learning the “Lanaudière style” of fiddling, this specific set is considered essential listening. It embodies the “stubborn” heart of the tradition—music that refuses to slow down and remains fiercely rooted in the rural soil of Québec.