[Dixielandjazz] Funeral Bagpipes

[Steve Barbone]

Bagpipes have been played at funerals for at least a 1000 years. See 2nd
paragraph below. Sourced from a 16th century Italian musician/writer, <grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

An observation of the Irish pipers was made by the musician Vincenzo Galilei
in a published work titled Dialogue on Ancient and Modern Music in 1581 in
Florence. Galilei wrote, "The bagpipe is much used by the Irish. To its
sound this unconquered, fierce, and warlike people, march their armies and
encourage one another to feats of valour.

With it also, they accompany their dead to the grave, making such a mournful
sounds as to invite - nay, almost force - the bystander to weep!"
This use of the bagpipe at funerals is mentioned at the funeral of
Donnchadh, King of Ossory (father of Sadhbh or Isolde, Queen of Ireland in
975) in an ancient poem where nine keeners sung lamentations with an
accompaniment of "cymbals and pipes harmoniously."