A strathspey is a slower stylised version of the reel, thought to be 19th century in origin. It's most influencial supporter was probably the musician Scott Skinner, who recorded many fine versions of the form when sound recording was in its infancy.
In this short audio clip you can hear Birtley musician Jack Elliott playing the Strathspey 'Brochan Tanna' on the Jaws Harp. The Gaelic name for this tune translates as 'thin porridge'. The Jaws Harp produces its peculiar twanging tone by vibrating a thin strip of sprung steel clenched between the player's teeth. The open mouth cavity acts as a resonator. Changes in the embouchure produce different tones.
This short audio clip is available in Mp3 or Real Audio format.
If you select the RealAudio option the clip will play in your RealOne Player (If you do not have RealOne Player, follow the link below to download).
If you select the Mp3 option playback will be through Windows Media Player or any other Mp3 player that you have set as default.
To download free RealPlayer click here.
To find out more about how FARNE audio files have been created follow this link - Audio Technical Notes.
