Bagpipes are ... Scottish bagpipes

Bagpipe ... The sounds of this unique instrument invariably evoke images of the green slopes of Scotland, checkered skirts and fairytale castles. The majority assumes that this multi-tone instrument has primordially Scottish roots. However, historians are arguing about where this unique instrument originated.

Whence the sound?

It is difficult to determine the time and place of the emergence of a musical instrument - the progenitor of modern bagpipes. Historians speak of China, Ancient Greece and Rome. Mention of the instrument can be found on stone slabs several centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. Bagpipe is a mysterious instrument that can be found in the history of the countries of Europe and Asia. No one can accurately determine when the instrument became traditional for Scotland. Presumably the bagpipe was brought with them by the Romans, who had pipers in their troops. According to available historical data, Emperor Nero liked the sounds of bagpipes and himself was able to play the instrument. But even before the emperor Nero, the bagpipe was mentioned in Virgil's poems. At present, it is impossible to determine reliably, it was brought or the Romans used the tools available in the country. Bagpipe is a musical instrument with multinational roots, each of which has left a mark on its sound. Whichever way she went to Scotland, there she was somewhat modified and became exactly the tool that we used to see her.

Tool making

Traditionally, bagpipes are handmade tools. The use of traditional materials is still very common, the modernization of bagpipe production has only led to an improvement in the method of making the instrument, and not to deterioration or loss of any important quality.

Scottish bagpipes from the earliest days were made of marsh oak, but then began to use hardwood from exotic countries. The sound quality of the bagpipe depends on the quality and type of wood used. It is interesting that different parts of bagpipes can be made from different types of wood. The humidity of the climate of the country where it will be used is also taken into account in the production of the instrument. For example, burdons can be made from ebony ebony, which is very suitable for the humid climate of the UK and is not suitable for dry US regions. Therefore, in most cases plastic is used to produce pipes in order to avoid the influence of climate.

Bagpipe bag - the most important part of the tool, which is traditionally made of sheepskin, but in different countries the material varies. In the USA it is a skin of an elk, and in Australia - a kangaroo.

Good bagpipes always have not only parts that are responsible for sound, but also decorations. In earlier times, Scottish bagpipes were decorated with elements of ivory or tusks of walruses. But to preserve these kinds of animals, decorations are made of horns or artificial materials.

Bagpipe is a tool consisting of several parts, so it will never be the subject of mass production. Traditional methods of production will always prevail.

Music Bagpipes

Bagpipe is historically a very important tool for the UK. The sounds of the bagpipes reflected all the events taking place in the clans of Scotland. Bagpipers composed music about joys and sorrows, battles and victories.

The creation of bagpipes, like playing on it, for a long time was considered the prerogative of men, because some models have a lot of weight. Bagpipes can be small and large, but any one has a fur bag and five tubes for different purposes. There is a wind pipe through which the bagpiper supplies air to the bag. Another three tubes, called bourdons, create a unique sound. The musician can move them, change the height. All this allows you to enjoy different tones and overflows of bagpipes. The melody is created by the tube of a chanter. It is on it that there are holes, clamping which receive the motive of music.

The sound of the bagpipes is loud, sonorous. It was used in the Middle Ages as signals between clans. And now its sound is well combined with electronic and rock music. Bagpipe is a national instrument that harmoniously sounds in the modern world.

Vintage sounds in modern processing

In Britain there are many orchestras with bagpipes, for example the British military band. And even the queen himself every morning hears delightful, unforgettable sounds.

A variety of sounds that can produce bagpipes, musicians use in modern music. One of the best combinations is a drum and a bagpipe game. Speeches in such a combination are pushed to a shudder. Concerts of the combined orchestras of Scotland, which perform all over the world, win hearts with their musical masterpieces.

Pipes are in demand at wedding celebrations, banquets and dinner parties.

Once heard, music bagpipes can not be forgotten. She may like it or not, but she will not leave anyone indifferent.