A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Reel
REEL (Anglo-Saxon hreol, connected with the Suio-Gothic rulla, to whirl). An ancient dance, the origin of which is enveloped in much obscurity. The fact of its resemblance to the Norwegian Hallung, as well as its popularity in Scotland, and its occurrence in Denmark, the north of England, and Ireland, has led most writers to attribute to it a Scandinavian origin, although its rapid movements and lively character are opposed to the oldest Scandinavian dance rhythms. The probability is that the reel is of Keltic origin, perhaps indigenous to Britain, and from there introduced into Scandinavia. In Scotland the reel is usually danced by two couples; in England—where it is now almost only found in connection with the Sword Dance, as performed in the North Riding of Yorkshire—it is danced by three couples. The figures of the reel differ slightly according to the locality; their chief feature is their circular character, the dancers standing face to face and describing a series of figures of eight. The music consists of 8-bar phrases, generally in common time, but occasionally in 6–4. The Irish reel is played much faster than the Scotch; in Yorkshire an ordinary hornpipe-tune is used. The following example, 'Lady Nelson's Reel,' is from a MS. collection of dances in the possession of the present writer.
![\relative g'' { \key g \major \time 4/4 \override Score.BarNumber #'break-visibility = #'#(#f #f #f)
\repeat volta 2 { g4 d8 g e d c b | a' e fis g fis d d fis |
g4 d8 g e d c b | d a b c b g g4 }
\repeat volta 2 { d8 g b g d' b c a | g b d e c a a b |
g b d g e g a f | \acciaccatura f e d e f \afterGrace d2 { e16([ f]) }
g4 d8 g e d c b | a' e fis g fis d d fis |
g4 d8 g c, g' b, g' | a, c b a b g g4 } }](http://upload.wikimedia.org/score/b/l/bl527i8385h18gpimpc2hodxc3ekjhi/bl527i83.png)
An example of the Danish reel will be found in Engel's 'National Music' (London, 1866).
One of the most characteristic Scotch reels is the Reel of Tulloch (Thulichan):—
Others, equally good, are 'Colonel McBean's Reel,' 'Ye're welcome, Charlie Stuart,' 'The Cameronian Rant,' 'Johnnie's friends are ne'er pleased,' and 'Flora Macdonald.'
For the slow Reel see Strathspey.