International Bagpipe Day
What comes to mind when you think of Scotland? Whisky? Tartan? Or perhaps it’s bagpipes with their unique sound and playing method. This instrument is synonymous with Scotland’s culture and identity. It is known for rousing tunes at events and parades and haunting laments at funerals and memorials. Although we tend to think of bagpipes as a Scottish instrument, there are actually many variants to be found across the world.
Composition
Bagpipes today exist in many forms throughout the world, but the ones we see here in Scotland consist of the following:
Mouthpiece – This attaches to the bag and sits on the top of it to allow access for the player.
Bag – All other parts of the instrument are attached to the bag. Traditionally, the bag was made of cowhide or sheepskin, but is now often made of synthetic materials.
Drones – Scottish bagpipes have three drones, which determine the pitch of the instrument. They have small holes at the tips to allow the air to escape. By applying pressure to different areas of the bag, players can control the airflow and produce varying sounds.
Chanter – This section of the bagpipes produces the melody. It protrudes from the bag, pointing downwards. The player can use both hands up and down the chanter to produce different notes.
Playing method
Bagpipes are a musical woodwind instrument with reed pipes and an air bag. The player inflates the bag by blowing into a blowpipe. They then squeeze the bag under their arm, emitting air into the pipes to play them. The drone pipes make a continuous droning sound, while the higher-pitched chanter pipe produces the melody. This creates a unique sound that is instantly recognisable.
Origin and history
Prior to the 13th century the origins of the instrument are uncertain, but a Hittite slab sculpture provides visual evidence that bagpipes may have been around at least 1000 years BC. It is thought that they may have originated in Egypt or the Middle East. Starting out with just one drone and a chanter. From there, they appear to have spread through Europe. The Greeks and Romans had the earliest written references. In the 13th century, references to bagpipes appear in Europe. The earliest reference in a British text seems to be in the Canterbury Tales, written around 1380.
Medieval religious carvings and sculptures depict pipers. In 1314 bagpipes were played at the Battle of Bannockburn, but in a different form from today’s pipes. Until the 1500s, a single drone was used, with a second one being added, then a third. Giving us the pipes as we know them today, from the 1700s onwards. Highland clan chiefs employed pipers to motivate their troops in battles. But after the 1745 Jacobite rising, bagpipe playing was banned in Scotland as they were seen as an instrument of war. Played in secret until the ban was lifted, bagpipes were again to find a place in warfare. Highland regiments formed after 1745 revived the tradition of pipers playing their comrades into battle in the early 19th century, and this continued throughout World War One, when they led troops “over the top” out of the trenches onto the battlefield. The death rate amongst pipers was extremely high: it is estimated that around 1000 pipers died in World War I. Pipe bands featuring drummers as well as pipers are still important in the military today, taking part in all types of parades for events and royal visits. Military pipe bands also feature in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has taken place at Edinburgh Castle esplanade since 1950. Bands from all over the world entertain sell-out crowds during August. Over the years, the show has been enhanced with projections and visual effects, making a truly spectacular presentation.
World Pipe Band Championships
Running since 1947, the World Pipe Band Championships is currently held on Glasgow Green with pipe bands from across the world competing for the coveted Grade One title. Any pipe band can enter and take part in the qualifying rounds to make it to the final and win the competition. Until 1987, the title was won by Scottish pipe bands, but since then, bands from Canada, Ireland and Australia have scooped the title.
Events
Today, some events wouldn’t be the same without a piper or pipe band. Highland games have bands playing between events, and a single piper will play at the highland dancing competition so that the dancers have music to perform to.
At weddings in Scotland, there will often be a piper at the entrance to a church or venue providing music while guests arrive for the ceremony. They will also play as the bridal party emerges from the ceremony and pipe the bride and groom into the wedding reception. Pipers are also called upon to play at funerals, playing laments such as Sleep Dearie, Sleep, which was played at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. A lone piper concluded the queen’s funeral, playing a lament and walking into the distance through the chapel, creating a very poignant scene. Pipers also often feature in Remembrance Day parades and wreath-laying ceremonies on 11th November each year.
Another event where you are likely to see a piper is Burns suppers celebrating the birth of poet Robert Burns. Taking place on 25th January, there are readings of Burns’s poetry and a meal of haggis, potatoes and turnip. The haggis is brought out on a platter and is piped into the room.
Now, many towns in Scotland have pipe bands which turn out for local parades and events such as gala days, when there are parades along the main street of the town, which will often be led by the town pipe band with floats and children in fancy dress following behind.
Modern music
Bagpipes are usually associated with traditional music, but they have featured in modern music too. Bagpipes feature in Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney and Wings, Stingin Belle by Biffy Clyro and It’s a Long Way to the Top by AC/DC.
Taking a very modern twist on the bagpipes are the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, who play rock and pop songs along with traditional Scottish tunes.
If you would like to find out more about bagpipes or traditional Scottish music, you can use Library Search help you do so.
