Medieval Bagpipes
Bagpipes from years gone by.
MP1. Shown at left are the medieval
two-drone smallpipes in key of D. Note that the scale of
these pipes is a very old one, and is different than standard pipes. Because the
holes are small and closer together than on a standard pipe chanter, the fingertips cover the holes. Also: there are eight holes in a row on the top; a slightly different
fingering is used than for great highland pipes. For more detail on this, see the book below.
These pipes have a quiet sound. The two drone pipes are small in
diameter, and both are inserted into one common stock (base). Leather bag, black velvet
bag cover. Overall length is 36". $149
Playing Manual for the Medieval Smallpipes in D
Medieval Bagpipes: A Manual for Two-Drone and Other Medieval Smallpipes.
With CD. Written and arranged by Dr. Paul Fehrenbach. Includes history of these types of
pipes; and information on the chanter, chanter reeds, drones, fingerings, drone tunings.
The 20 medieval tunes are written in the book along with notes, and played on the
CD.
The tunes are: Lamento di Tristano, Estampie # 1, Aeterne Rerum Conditor, Cuidoient Li
Losengier, Dicet Domino, Estampie # 2, Two Spanish Funeral Chants, Saltarello # 1, Under
Der Linden, Estampie # 3, Nas Mentes Senpre Teer, Owe Dirre Sumerzit, Saltarello # 2,
Maldito Seja Quen Non Loarda, He Diex Quant Verrai, Estampie # 4, Pange Melos Lacrimosa,
Vos Qui Admiramini, Estampie # 5, Mors Vite Propitia.
The author bought a set of these medieval pipes from us, and bases his book on them.
However, he includes information on other variations of these pipes, and says that the
tunes could be played on any pipes in any key.
Price of book with CD: $30
MP2.The pipes shown at left are the medieval two-drone bagpipe in
key of F. This bagpipe has a loud sound, for medieval pipes, but not as loud as standard
pipes. The insert at the lower right-hand corner shows a closeup of one section of drone;
the two drones are each made of identical sections of pipe that fit into each other.
Leather bag, black velvet bag cover, ivory cords. (We show these pipes with a tartan
cover, which was previously standard on these pipes.) We suspect that they were originally
played in medieval times with no bag cover over the leather bag, and, of course, these
could be played that way. Overall length is 49". The chanter on these pipes is played
with the same fingering as a modern one; the holes are further apart than on a standard
pipe chanter. $145
Available, although we do not have them in stock.
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The Harp and Dragon
25 Madison St, Cortland, NY 13045 USA
Tel 607-756-7372 Fax/Ans mach 607-756-0366
MP3. Mediterranean
bagpipe, twin chanter. There are two chanters coming from a common stock (base),
with a common bell at the end; each chanter has 5 holes (you wax closed the holes you do
not want to use). These pipes have no drones. They are reported to be as loud as a snake
charmer (!). About 40" long overall from the open end of the bell to the far end of
the bag. Leather bag, dark blue crushed velvet bag cover. $135. Out of stock.
We have no information on playing these, and would like to set up a fingering chart and determine the playing range for them. If you have information on this, or know of a playing manual in English, please let us know.