About Bagpipe Music

When we discuss bagpipe music we need to look at two main categories to understand what it is.

Cèol Beag is the first. This term from the Scottish Gaelic is translated as "little music". This is the music of the pipe bands in parades, highland games and contests. It is made up of dance music, strathspeys, reels, marches, jigs and hornpipes. This "little music" is the style that the bagpipe was actually designed to play.

Strathspeys

Strathspeys [or originally termed “Strathspey-reel”] is a unique to the Scots and was originally fiddle music adapted to the pipes. This music style is second in use among pipers behind the march and just ahead of the reel.

The strathspey style of music is one of high technical demand with a high degree of precision It requires a high degree of articulation of the notes and musical sections to drive the tune.

Reels

Reels, next to the jig, are one of the oldest forms of light music. Reels and jigs are synonymous with Ireland and Irish music [check out the driving reels played in an Irish pub the next time you get a chance] and both refer to the dancing itself as much as the musical style. Yet “Scottish style” Reels [despite sharing an underlying four/four rhythm] are played relatively slowly and deliberately in their delivery. The Scottish style of reels are denoted by their more elaborate grace note techniques.

Hornpipes

Hornpipes can be called "cousins" to the reels. The are similar in their function and form almost always played in the driving pace of the 2/4 time signature.

Since they are noted by their spirited, lively melodies and very elaborate grace notes, hornpipe tunes are similar in time signature to the competition march itself. When discussing this style of bagpipe play, keen listeners and fans of bagpipe music, talk about the staccato effect of the “trebling” of notes involved in the hornpipe. Many refer to it as the “machine-gun” style of pay!

Jigs

Jigs have been common in Scotland since at least the 16th century and were derived from older traditions of music on the European continent. Scottish jigs are usually played in the standard 6/8 time.

Some are played in what is referred to as the "deluxe" 12/8 style.

Others can also be played in the 9/8 pattern referred to as the slip-jig.

And, although some jigs are played in a slower fashion, we usually think of the bagpipe repertoire of jigs as lively, upbeat, driving tunes that makes us want to tap our toes if not just get up and dance the night away!

Cèol Mor. Scots Gaelic often translated as "big music" or "great music" and is distinguished for its complexity and length. This form of bagpipe music was developed and taught mainly between the 16th and 18th centuries and the greatest proponents were said to be the MacCrimmon family of Skye. This great family of pipers did a great deal to shape Cèol Mor over eight generations. Some tunes may take up to fifteen minutes to build up and perform.

Now that you understand the bagpipe music I'm sure you can't wait to learn to play the bagpipes.