Scotch snap

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Scotch snap (Scotch catch). A rhythmic figuration in which a dotted note is preceded by a note of shorter value. It is a feature of the Strathspey and is found in some Scottish songs. It seems to be not earlier than 18th-cent., and of unknown origin. Occurs in the mus. of composers, e.g. Rossini, who have never been within hailing distance of Scotland.

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