Chiff and Fipple Forums

One of my friends has a question on FB (you've heard of FB, right?) about a double-headed quaver or two (eighth notes, for youse Merkins) that turned up in some Swedish fiddle music. Both the heads are on the same spacing in the save, so they'd be playing the same note. Co-incidentally, there's a sharp symbol above the notes - not in front of them.

My friend guesses that the sharp above is probably a ficta (I had to look it up) and I'm pretty sure she's right.

My thought is that it's an attempt to bend the note(s) sharp-ish. I wouldn't dare say that to her, as she would take issue with my imprecise expression.

I'm not sure if this image will come through, but I'll try it anyway.

Any thoughts? Anyone come across this sort of thing before?

I have seen it used when the fiddle plays two Es, E string and pinkie on the A string, together. That may or may not be intended here.

Normal usage would be unison pitches as suggested by Mr.Gumby. Editorial musica ficta would be indicated by accidentals above the notes as you said there are. So what you have here (more context required!) seems to suggest both in a most unlikely way...

Mr.Gumby wrote:I have seen it used when the fiddle plays two Es, E string and pinkie on the A string, together. That may or may not be intended here.

That seems to be the explanation! Double-stopping on the A and E strings. Thank you!