One wouldn't think of the Great Highland Pipes as an instrument associated with musicality....more like battles and Scots clans. But watching and listening to the expression in these pieces of music illustrates just how the art of mastering pipe music and the pipes themselves is a skill as learned as any world renown instrument.
I have my degree in music education. I've been "classically trained" by some of the top teachers in the brass world in my schooling. During my degree work I learned to play every "major" orchestral instrument to a degree of proficiency. As an adult I became a piper and it has been without doubt one of the most challenging instruments I've ever had the pleasure of tackling. It's finesse meets force, and when played well, the two collide in a spectacular spectrum of expression. I'll never be at the Grade 1 (or Grade 2) level as it's beyond my abilities and years to obtain now, but listening to bands like Inverarary just makes my heart soar. The sound. The expression. They are the one of the current principle masters of finesse meets force. I could listen to them and watch Start Liddell instruct all day long.
played grade 1 for over 53 years and this up and coming band is playing quality music they changes of tempo directed by the base is pure quality iam enjoying this bands performances so far its a fairly young band so hopefully they can keep them togethar for years to come
Y'all sounds fantastic!!. Reminds me in the circle all over again playing... 19 years...And the Sheperd Chanters have a great High A...not too sweet...loved this video.
I must say, this setting of hector the hero is my all time favourite, i also love how idpb uses pibroch high g in their harmonies. The depth to the sound it brings is incredible
They play G sharp in the harmonies. You get it by playing a C on the bottom hand and lifting the G finger on the top hand at the same time. Effectively like a G Gracenote on C but held and not just chirped.
It would be cooler and more beautiful if they had the traditional kilts in the band, because this is one of the most beautiful clothes in the world, and there it is mischaracterized.
Glad to play the pipes again after damning them 20 years ago. I keep buying new sets because I take concrete blocks to them, stuff them in a public trash or walk them down to the bridge and into the river. Anyone ever want to destroy your pipes?
