Though you may not be a fan of the bagpipes, there’s no denying that they’re a fascinating―perhaps even quirky?―musical instrument. In honor of Bagpipe Appreciation Day on July 27, let’s take a few minutes for some fun and surprising facts about an instrument with a complex reputation.
Most Americans think of bagpipes as a Scottish instrument. But you can find them from Finland to Lithuania, Greece to Russia and stretching all the way to the Middle East and Africa. It might surprise you to learn that Pakistan is currently one of the biggest bagpipe manufacturers.
While there may be some regional variations, bagpipes share a basic structure: they are woodwind instruments in which the reeds are vibrated not directly by the musician’s breath, but by air pushed through a bag. Traditionally, the bags were created from animal skins―as in the carcass of a whole animal, generally an unlucky sheep or goat. Fortunately for modern ruminants, synthetic materials have become more popular for the bag portion of the instrument.
Popular traditional bagpipe tunes abound. But did you know that bagpipes have made their way into some popular rock songs as well? Check out “The Rocky Road to Dublin,” a collaboration between The Chieftains and The Rolling Stones. Or for something a little wilder, listen to Canadian Celtic punk band The Real McKenzies perform “Scots Wha Hae.”
Interestingly, bagpipe musicians have no way to control the volume of their playing. In addition, there can be no silence between notes, because the instrument requires a constant flow of air through the bag. The combination of those factors no doubt contributes to the bagpipe’s reputation for being unceasingly loud. It’s said that a bagpipe in the Scottish highlands can be heard from 10 miles away!
Whether or not the bagpipes are your cup of tea, they have a long, rich history that can be appreciated. Consider taking a few minutes this month to enjoy a bagpipe tune or two!