Bagpipes Challenged

[beloitpiper]

Some of that is true, but most of it is wrong, as pointed out already in this thread.

For a great history of the bagpipes, watch "Instrument of War". It's a two-part documentary that is really well done. My dad bought both DVD's for my two-year piping anniversary.

[JS Sanders]

I would take far more into consideration the goomer who wrote this blurb in The Guardian, than Mr Cheape, a respected Gaelic historian and accomplished piper. I own more than one of his books, including The Book of the Bagpipe, where some of this article's information seems to be in conflict.

Since I've not read this latest publication, I can only presume the reporter twisted much in order to reach his desired result. Hard to believe, isn't it?

For a truly authoritative work on the pipes, try John C Gibson's Traditional Gaelic Bagpiping. Among other things, he provides evidence how the pipes were not proscribed post-Culloden as is so commonly believed. Yet another cherished belief...

Slainte yall,
steve

[Peter C.]

I played the pipes, as a boy soldier, in a British military pipe band 50yrs ago. We had old fashioned snare drums, sheepskin bags and cane reeds, and it sounded great.
I still prefer the old fashioned less sharp sound of the pipes.

I remember someone saying to me (back in my band days) that the Irish sent the pipes to Scotland as a joke, and the Scots haven't seen it yet.

Peter

[Jack Daw]

Well, I have read the background history on the piobaireachds that I am learning (...and learning....and learning) and some of the old marches. The article writer's bent seems not to ring true with Cheape.

[JS Sanders]

A search found that Cheape's book, Bagpipes - a National Collection of a National Instrument is available at Barnes & Noble for $18.71. It was published late last year.

Presently it's not much of a priority, though I would like to add it to my piping library.

Slainte yall,
steve

[Nick the DSM]

i dont know about the knowledge of this guy...

[JerseyLawyer]

i dont know about the knowledge of this guy...

Hugh Cheape? He's very well respected, as has been previously mentioned. I wouldn't be surprised if the article shows at least some lack of understanding of his book.

I'll have to read it and find out. Ultimately, though, even if the pipes were invented in 1950, I wouldn't stop playing them just for that reason. ;)

[JS Sanders]

I'd bet a sawbuck that the newsie hasn't even seen a copy of Cheape's latest book, much less read it.

[JerseyLawyer]

I'd bet a sawbuck that the newsie hasn't even seen a copy of Cheape's latest book, much less read it.

I'm not going to take that bet.

[Peter C.]

Even if the article were correct I don't see what difference it would make. The kilt evolved over the years to the magnificent garment it is today. The biggest change happening at about the same time as the article suggests the pipes were changed. The pipes have evolved a lot even in my lifetime.

The Scottish pipes being altered and improved over the years, while most other bagpipes are still the same as they were 1000+ years ago, could account for the Scottish pipes being the most popular bagpipes in the world.

Peter