TV Programme - History of the bagpipes

[Jack Daw]

Let's not argue about the historical accuracy of certain Biblical events, but I cannot help but to point out easy references in the ancient scriptures, specifically the Old Testament, in which the bagpipes are referred.

[OC Richard]

easy references in the ancient scriptures, specifically the Old Testament, in which the bagpipes are referred.

This has been refuted, often, in the past. Hebrew had no word for "bagpipe" (at least that's what people who know Hebrew have told me).

Likewise ancient Irish writings are often sited, but Irish scholars point out that none of the words in question can be shown to refer to bagpipes, but rather are fairly generic words used to refer to various tubelike instruments.

The earliest written reference seems to be the one of Nero playing, and the writer had no word for the instrument, but rather had to explain it.

About "absence of proof being proof of absence" of course that's a fallacy.

On the other hand there's the "space alien" test: there is just as much evidence for bagpipes in the ancient Middle East as there is for space aliens in the ancient Middle East. It's this test which helps us stick to the evidence and avoid wild invention.

[O'Callaghan]

The oldest form seems to be the Gata, with a long downward facing bass drone, which seems to be found in Southern Europe, e.g. the Iberian peninsula and former Yugoslavia. I think the musical scale they are tuned to, even in Scotland, is not a European one, and may be Middle Eastern. Mind you, I can't play a note.

ETA: Regardless of ancient Irish writings, there are ancient Irish drawings of bagpipes, which don't need linguistic interpretation. You can just look at the picture.

[neloon]

The second program concentrated on the GHB from the ceol mor of the MacCrimmons discussed by Calum MacCrimmon through to the Edinburgh Tattoo, bagrock and false notes, the Chilli Pipers bands, Rufus Harley, Hollywood misrepresentation, and culminating in a performance with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra of a new piece by Phil using a variety of bagpipes.
Alan

[The Q]

AndAnd a very enjoyable show it was too.
Even with Madonna and some very long kilts