The polka, which originated in Bohemia in the early part of the 19th century, is highly successful import into traditional music, where it is found to be particularly suited to the dancing of set of quadrilles. Although it retains its 2/4 time signature, the polka has acquired a distinct Sliabh Luachra accent, and simultaneously provides the beat required by the dancers, while weaving a trance-like dimension into the texture of the music.
The slide, which is in 12/8 time, is a member of the jig family. It is sometimes referred to as a single jig, in order to distinguish it from the more common double jig (in 6/8 ti me) and the slip jig, which is in 9/8.