Scotch snap

noun

1. Also called: Scotch catch. music a rhythmic pattern consisting of a short note followed by a long one

Word History and Origins

Origin of Scotch snap¹

C19: so named because it is characteristic of, though not exclusive to, Scottish dance music, esp that for strathspeys

Example Sentences

The New York critic Henry Krehbiel gave a sneak preview in the Tribune the day before the premiere, arguing that it projected a truly American character through its blend of ethnic musical traits like the folky, syncopated “Scotch snap” and “the mood inspired by the contemplation of Indian legend and romance.”

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The set’s concluding Gavot takes on Scottish bagpipe colors, with some wrong-note grace notes in the opening drone and plenty of Scotch snap rhythms .

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Marcello Panni conducts with a Scotch snap.

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The "Scotch snap" is a constant rhythmic device, the old scale and the old Scottish cadences seem to be native to his heart.

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The third consists of the mannerism known as the “Scotch snap,” and is a rhythmic device which probably originated in that trick of jumping from one register of the voice to another, which has always had a fascination for people of simple natures.

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