Talk:Valse Philippe

The composer is not Gilles Losier (pianist and fiddle player) but Guy Loyer (accordionist) who was a student of Philippe Bruneau for many years and dedicated the tune to his mentor. - Steve Jones 2014-08-04

After looking up 'Valse Philippe' in The Waltz Book II, I believe I now understand the confusion. Two different tunes are being dealt with here, both composed in Québec by musicians with the initials G.L. and both referred to as 'Hommage à Philippe Bruneau' although, reportedly, this is not the preferred title of either composer.

First, Gilles Losier: the tune 'Valse Philippe' published in The Waltz Book II, transcribed from Losier's LP recording 'Salut Belle Acadie' is a waltz in G, or A. According to Losier's sleeve notes, the tune is also known as 'Hommage à Philippe Bruneau.'

Second, Guy Loyer: I can vouch for the fact that his tune is very well known as 'Hommage à Philippe Bruneau.' It is a very popular tune, known to almost every Québécois musician. The ABC transcription given here is of that tune, not of Losier's. (The tune is most commonly played in D, not C). It is also said that Loyer's original title was 'Valse à Philippe.'

I suggest that two entries be created here: this one could be left as 'Valse Philippe' by Gilles Losier, but new ABCs should be added. (I can do this when I get time). The annotations could be left as they are, but with a cross-reference to the second entry, to be created, title 'Hommage à Philippe Bruneau' by Guy Loyer, and including the ABC transcription in the key of C currently given in this entry. The annotations could report the story of its original title being 'Valse à Philippe' and cross-refer to Losier's tune. ~~Steve Jones 2014-08-05