du Petit Sarny

Notes

While it feels like a piece of folklore handed down through generations, “6/8 du Petit Sarny” (or simply “Le Petit Sarny”) is actually a modern masterpiece of the French Canadian trad repertoire. Composed by the renowned Québécois fiddler Éric Favreau—who named it in honor of his friends Tracy Pettit and Dominique Sarny—the tune has been widely adopted by traditional musicians across North America and Europe, earning its status as a contemporary classic.

Musically, it is a brilliantly crafted jig in $6/8$ time, usually played in the key of G major. It features a beautifully rolling, cyclical rhythm that perfectly captures the “swing” and infectious bounce characteristic of Québécois dance music.

What makes “du Petit Sarny” distinct is its structure and phrasing:

• The “Crooked” Charm: French Canadian music is famous for being crooked (irregular phrasing or extra beats), and this tune features a captivating three-part structure ($AABBCC$) rather than the standard two parts.

• The Lilt: The melody features a gorgeous, buoyant lilt that effortlessly twists and turns. It flows with a bright, sunny disposition that evokes the imagery of a lively kitchen party (un party de cuisine) or a warm community dance.

• The Texture: When performed in the traditional style—often accompanied by the crisp, percussive podorythmie (seated foot-tapping) of the player—the tune becomes a driving force of pure rhythm and joy.

Whether played on a solo fiddle, a button accordion, or a mandolin, “du Petit Sarny” is a luminous example of how French Canadian traditional music continues to grow, capturing a perfect blend of historic roots and vibrant modern creativity.