Bagpipes ... The sounds of this unique instrument invariably evoke images of the green slopes of Scotland, plaid skirts and fairytale castles. Most suggest that this multi-sounding instrument has native Scottish roots. However, historians are debating where this unique tool originated.
Where does the sound come from?
It is difficult to determine the time and place of occurrence of a musical instrument - the progenitor of modern bagpipes. Historians talk about China, Ancient Greece and Rome. Mention of the instrument can be found on stone slabs several centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. Bagpipes are a mysterious instrument that can be found in the history of Europe and Asia. No one can determine exactly when the instrument became traditional for Scotland.
The bagpipes were allegedly brought by the Romans, who had pipers in the army. According to available historical data,
Emperor Nero loved the sound of bagpipes and knew how to play the instrument. But even before the emperor Nero, the bagpipe was mentioned in the verses of Virgil. At present, it is impossible to determine reliably whether it was brought in or the Romans used the tool available in the country. The bagpipe is a musical instrument with multinational roots, each of which left its mark on its sound. Whatever way she came to Scotland, there she was somewhat modified and became exactly the tool that we used to see her.
Tool making
Bagpipes are traditionally handmade tools. The use of traditional materials is still very common, modernization of the production of bagpipes has led only to an improvement in the method of manufacturing the tool, and not to the deterioration or loss of any important quality.
From the first days, the Scottish bagpipe was made from swamp oak, but then they began to use hardwood from exotic countries. The tone of the bagpipe sound depends on the quality and type of wood used. Interestingly, different parts of the bagpipes can be made from different types of wood. In the manufacture of the tool, the humidity of the climate of the country where it will be used is also taken into account.
For example, bourdons can be made of ebony ebony, which is very suitable for the humid
climate of the UK and is not suitable for dry regions of the United States. Therefore, in most cases, plastic is used to produce pipes in order to avoid the influence of climate.
Bagpipes are the most important part of the tool, which is traditionally made from sheepskin, but the material varies in different countries of the world. In the USA, this is the skin of an elk, and in Australia - a kangaroo.
A good bagpipe always has not only parts that are responsible for sound, but also decorations. In former times, the Scottish bagpipe was decorated with elements of ivory or walrus tusks. But to preserve these types of animals, jewelry is made from horns or artificial materials.
A bagpipe is a tool made up of several parts, so it will never be mass produced. Traditional production methods will always prevail.
Bagpipe music
Bagpipes are historically a very important tool for the UK. The sounds of the bagpipe reflected all the events taking place in the clans of Scotland. Pipers composed music about joys and sorrows, battles and victories.
The creation of a bagpipe, like the game on it, has long been considered the prerogative of men, because some models have a lot of weight. Bagpipes can be small and large, but each one has a fur bag and five tubes for different purposes. There is a wind pipe through which the piper delivers air into the bag. Three more tubes, called bourdons, create a unique sound. The musician can move them, change the pitch. All this allows you to enjoy different tones and modulations of bagpipes. The melody is created by the chanter tube. It is on it that there are holes, clamping which receive the motive of music.
The sound of the bagpipe is loud, sonorous. It was used in the Middle Ages as signals between clans. And now its sound goes well with electronic and rock music. Bagpipes are a national instrument that harmoniously sounds in the modern world.
Vintage sounds in a modern twist
There are many bagpipe orchestras in the UK, such as the British Military Orchestra. And even the queen herself listens to delicious, unforgettable sounds every morning.
The various sounds that the bagpipe is capable of making are used by musicians in modern music. One of the best combinations is a drum and bagpipes. Performances in this combination make their way to a shiver. Concerts of the combined orchestras of Scotland, which perform around the world, win the hearts of their musical masterpieces.
Pipers are in demand at weddings, banquets and dinner parties.
Having heard once, the music of the bagpipe is not possible to forget. She may be liked or not, but she will not leave anyone indifferent.