Bagpipe notation

I've been away for a while, but I thought of this forum, because I may have to write a score in the near future that will be heavily influenced by Celtic bagpipe music, and I have no idea how to play or notate for bagpipes. If anyone has any expertise in this area or knows of any good websites, books, resources to listen to/read bagpipe music, I'd be very appreciative. I told my collaborator the project would have to wait while I learn more, and I want to dive right in.

Thanks so much!

Sorry not to come to answer but to ask... I also would like to know the ranges for these instruments and the Uillean pipes too.

I found this one on a quick search but someone could clarify this.

Wow, I love this discussion topic. Normally, I'd say this needs to be placed in the educational forum area, but I'd love to know more about writing for bagpipe as well and believe this is a better forum for discussing it since we're talking about a more specialized instrument. We actually have a bagpipe performer at the college I'm attending for my teaching certificate. I'm going to make it a point to meet with him to discuss the music he performs and what is common to see. Fall semester starts at the end of August, so hopefully there will be more here by that point.

If the thread dies, I'll start a new one with my results. Good topic!

Most bagpipes are tuned to A mixolydian.

Uilleann Pipes, are chromatic I believe, but don't quote me on it.

Why the heck would anyone want to write for bagpipes?

Why the heck would anyone want to write for bagpipes?

Why would anyone want to write for trombone? Seriously, what's wrong with bagpipes?

Seriously, what's wrong with bagpipes?

Perhaps because it sounds like a dying goose every time its played?

Perhaps because it sounds like a dying goose every time its played?

Amazing Grace on Bagpipes is probably some of the most emotional music I've heard in my life... obviously there are some cultural influences there, but so what?? I don't hear a dying goose.

Tokke you don't like the Ulliean Pipe ? it sounds really nice, actually a few weeks ago I saw one in Mercadolibre (the latin ebay) and I wanted to buy it but I didn't because of the lack of info we express here, what if that think can play only in D or A or has no chromatic scale ? ... that's why I didn't buy it.

The Bagpipe is less "nice" to my taste but still "interesting". And remember, some instruments have low "reputation" because nobody have taken them into a higher level, or should I say "we" haven't taken them into a higher, decent level....

anyway, I really much prefer to see someone posting useful info instead turning this into a long discussion about how pretty/ugly are these pipes.

I found the ulliean in the finguering guide, it kinda confirm the other pic I found.

http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/uilleann/iup_bas_1.html

Wow, lots of interest.

As I mentioned, the score I may be writing in the near future will be heavily influenced by Celtic/Scottish music, and that's why bagpipes will be a necessary part of the instrumentation.

AntiA, when you talk to your friend, if you could possibly post here even a page or two of bagpipe music as a sample, that would be incredibly helpful!

Perhaps because it sounds like a dying goose every time its played?

I disagree. There is nothing--NOTHING--worse than a choir of recorders. I suppose they make good educational tools, but their sound leaves me longing for nails on a chalkboard....

Ok I'm a piper

Pipes are tuned in A they only have a range from in the staff G to One above the staff A, you don't tongue when playing instead you use complex grace notes which you will need to search some, you will probably want another piper to put i the grace notes after you write all the pitches out cause its a tough thing to do.

Good luck