Bagpipe - Art Sphere Inc.

The Bagpipe

Bagpipes are a type of woodwind instrument that employs enclosed reeds supplied with a continuous flow of air from a bag. While the Great Highland bagpipes are widely recognized, bagpipes have been played for centuries across significant regions in Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, around the Persian Gulf, and northern areas of South Asia. The term “bagpipe” is used interchangeably in both singular and plural forms, although pipers commonly refer to them as “the pipes,” “a set of pipes,” or “a stand of pipes.”

The existence of bagpipes before the 13th century AD remains uncertain, although certain textual and visual hints have been proposed. According to The Oxford History of Music, there is a sculpture discovered on a Hittite slab at Euyuk in Anatolia, dating back to 1000 BC, which some experts suggest depicts bagpipes. However, an alternative interpretation proposes that the sculpture might actually represent a pan flute being played in conjunction with a friction drum.

At the very least, bagpipes are composed of an air supply, a bag, a chanter, and typically at least one drone. Some bagpipes incorporate multiple drones (and occasionally multiple chanters) in different arrangements, securely attached using stocks, which are sockets that fasten the various pipes to the bag.

During the early part of the second millennium, there was a notable increase in the depiction of bagpipes in Western European art and iconography. The Cantigas de Santa Maria, written in Galician-Portuguese and compiled in Castile in the mid-13th century, includes representations of various types of bagpipes. Additionally, the Chronique dite de Baudoin d’Avesnes, a 13th-century manuscript of northern French origin, also features several illustrations of bagpipes. Although the presence of bagpipes in the British Isles before the 14th century is a subject of debate, they are explicitly mentioned in The Canterbury Tales (written around 1380). As Western classical music advanced, progressing in musical complexity and instrumental advancements, bagpipes gradually lost their popularity in various regions due to their limited range and capabilities. This led to a prolonged and gradual decline that persisted in most cases until the 20th century.

To properly hold the bagpipes, lift them with both hands using your left arm underneath. Position the bass drone behind your back near your shoulder blade. Inflate the bag by blowing forcefully into the blow-stick located next to the bass drone. The bagpipes have three large pipes on top: two tenor drones and one bass drone, which produce a natural humming sound as air passes through. The other stick on the opposite side is the chanter, played with your right hand at the bottom and left hand on top to produce specific notes while inflating the bagpipes.

Are there any instrument similar to this one?

There are several instruments similar to the bagpipe which are: Great Highland Pipes, Union Pipes, Galician Gaita, Romanian Cimpoi, Northumbrian Smallpipes, etc.

How long does it take to learn?

It takes approximately 6-12 months.

Is there special equipment needed for the instrument?

Yes, it requires special equipment such as Blowstick Valve, Drone Cords, Drone reeds, and Pipe Bag Seasoning etc.

Rock with a Star!

Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by this youtuber, Bagpipe Master

Youtuber, Bagpipe Master playing The Parting Glass by Celtic woman, an all-female Irish musical ensemble.