Old Irish Bagpipes

Old Irish Bagpipes

Original caption:

The Irish bagpipe is a much more complete instrument than the Scotch, although it is steadily dying out. In the latter, only one of the pipes has notes. This one is termed the ‘Chanter,’ the other pipes (known as ‘Drones’) having only one fixed sound, and causing the curious droning sound which accompanies the melody, whether lament or merry dance, played on the ‘chanter.’ In the Irish form, the drone-pipes also have notes, ensuring much more variety; indeed, this instrument is capable, in good hands, of great sweetness and delicacy of tone. It is blown by bellows instead of the mouth, which probably prevents jerkiness and makes the sound steadier.

Source: Chatterbox, 1906, Edited by J. Erskine Clarkeg

Published: 1906