Thursday 21 October 2021
Tune of the Day: La Bastringue
Traditional Canadian reel
“La Bastringue” (a French word for a dance hall) has its origins in an old French tune which might date as far back as the 17th century. It appears set in 6/8 time in a number of 19th-century English collections, such as Wilson's A Companion to the Ballroom (1816), under the title “Voulez-vous danser”.
In French Canada the tune became a “party song” which tells of an older man who wants to dance “La Bastringue” with a girl. He soon finds that he isn't up to the pace, and to save face he tries to beg off by feigning concern for the woman's stamina. She proves equal to the task, though, and the man finally just has to give up.
Thanks to Phil for suggesting this tune!