On 21 Nov 2006 09:53:48 -0800, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:


The bagpipes originated in Asia or the middle east, crossed into Europe
through Turkey, and some old drawings of Emperor Nero show him playing
a musical instrument where pipes are regulated by pressure from an
orally inflated bag.

The bagpipes were "rediscovered" by western European crusaders about
900 years ago.

Imagine "belly dancing" music instead of "Scotland the Brave" coming
from the pipes, (the sound is absolutely right for it), and it's easier
to get around the Celtic stereotypes.

Bagpipers have always been a bit disreputable, either that or not
highly appreciated by their audiences. At various times and under
various monarchs, performing on the bagpipe was punishable by death.
Sign on an olde English Inn; "No bagpypers, harlets, or thyves allow'd"

I mentioned this thread to my wife, who grew up in Poland, and whose
family had many musicians. She started talking about Polish bagpipes.
This was new to me since I always associated bagpipes with Scots only.
I then googled bagpipe history and learned more than I really wanted
to about this "instrument of peasants." Anyway, I'm getting more
music, military, union and turkey cooking info here than I anticipated
when first coming here.
No complaints.

--Vic