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Bagpipe is one of the most ancient instruments in the
world, its history spans back to the beginnings of
civilization. Contrary to some people's belief, the
Bagpipes were not first heard in Scotland. No one knows
for certain where the history of the Bagpipe began. It is
thought that the first Pipe came from ancient Egypt,
which had just a single drone and a chanter. From here it
eventually evolved in Europe, with the Greeks and the
Romans having the earliest written references. In Greece,
the instrument was named the Piovala. Dio Chrysostom, a
Greek Writer wrote about Nero (8AD): "They say that
he can write, carve statues, play the aulos both with his
mouth, and also with the armpit, a bag being thrown under
it." There are ancient Roman coins that depict Nero
playing the bagpipe.
The Bagpipes today exist in many forms throughout the world, many people only know of the Piob Mhor or Highland Bagpipe as it is the most common and well know Pipe in the world. But it is important to note that there are many variations in countries such as Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary, India and many others. The basic idea of the Pipe is the same with a bag and chanter but there are varying amounts of drones and sounds. |
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