Description
“Jouer de la Cornemuse” is not just a textbook for the French bagpipes – it is a milestone in the world of bagpipe music. Written by Bernard Boulanger, a virtuoso and passionate teacher, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of semi-closed fingering. Including an accompanying CD, you will immerse yourself in the French art of bagpiping, enriched by Boulanger’s decades of experience.
An urgently needed textbook
The bagpipe scene has been waiting a long time for a comprehensive textbook that covers the special techniques and musical range of the popular French bagpipes. This instrument, known for its wide range and chromaticism, offers musicians endless expressive possibilities – an indispensable tool, especially in the dance scene.
Bernard Boulanger: A passionate teacher
Bernard Boulanger, the author, is much more than just a musician. He is a teacher with heart and soul who has already produced countless talents at his music school La Piposa. His personal experiences, combined with a deep passion for music, make this book an incomparable learning tool.
Over 20 years of experience in book form
Boulanger worked for over two decades to incorporate his knowledge and techniques into the book “Jouer de la Cornemuse”. The result is a detailed, systematic guide to learning the bagpipes, from the basics to advanced techniques. The accompanying CD with 99 practice tracks reinforces the learning experience with practical audio examples.
Learning with a system
“Jouer de la Cornemuse” is divided into two parts: The first focuses on the basics, while the second part deals with advanced ornamentation techniques and the realization of well-known Scottish ornaments. Its logical structure makes it suitable for both self-study and teaching.
Experience meets innovation
The bagpipes with semi-closed fingering have enjoyed great popularity in Europe for over 50 years. The unique construction enables a chromatic range and a harmonious sound that harmonizes perfectly with other instruments. The book “Jouer de la Cornemuse” is therefore an indispensable guide for any musician who wants to learn this art.
A tribute to musical diversity
Bernard Boulanger not only shares his extensive expertise, but also his passion for dance and music. The book is an invitation to discover and experience the joy of making music together beyond the technical aspects.
Your key to mastery on the bagpipes
“Jouer de la Cornemuse” is much more than a textbook; it is a bridge to undiscovered musical horizons. With Bernard Boulanger’s expertise and the extensive knowledge contained in this book, you have everything you need to master the art of French bagpipes. From basic techniques to advanced playing styles, this book will guide you through every step of your musical journey. Get your copy now and start exploring the fascinating world of bagpipe music.
Foreword
Having played more than 200 bals folk sitting next to Bernard Boulanger, I can assure you, the man’s got what it takes! A hell of a tempo, a velvety-smooth fingering…, a quick glance to the side – reproachful when we unintentionally went too fast, sparkling with joy when we strung together bourrées on the burr! And his feet! You have to see it when he sits there and pounds out the rhythm to the songs – impressive! Bernard was an excellent dancer long before he became this excellent bagpipe player and teacher, and you can feel it!
Bernard is stubborn! He worked at this school for almost 15 years. And to make sure that his teaching method was correct, he did not stop at obtaining a diploma in traditional music teaching, he also created a place of learning: La Piposa. And at this training center for around 500 young musicians, he tested, improved, corrected and finally completed this bagpipe school day after day. It is enough to listen to a concert by La Piposa today to appreciate the extent of the work that has been done.
The Scottish and Irish pipers have had their school for a long time, from now on the bagpipe players of the central French type will also have theirs. The gap has been filled, but the oral aspect will not suffer as a result, because Bernard’s approach as a musician is to remind us again and again in the course of his teaching work that, beyond precise, systematic and necessary exercises, there is nothing better than actually playing together with other musicians.
Bernard Boulanger’s bagpipe school is undoubtedly an important work, inspired by the “great old ones” such as Hotteterre or Chédeville, and a faithful companion to the teacher, instructor, student or course participant.
And I have no doubt that as you work your way through the pages, you will sometimes notice a disapproving or encouraging wink as you follow a piece of advice or immerse yourself in an exercise…
Thank you, Bernard and La Piposa!
Roland Delassus
Author:in
Bernard Boulanger
State diploma as a teacher of traditional music (Titulaire du Diplôme d’Etat d’enseignement de musique traditionnelle); born. 1956; profession: primary school teacher; lives in Sailly sur la Lys / Pas de Calais.
Bernard started folk dancing in the amateur association of Boëseghem in the last year of primary school. From the 6th grade onwards (1st class at French college), the group “Pacotins et des Pacotines” sent him on dance courses in the regions where folk dance is still practiced: Berry, Auvergne, Brittany … His relationship with the dance group from Pléhérel (Côte d’Armor) and regular meetings with them infected him with the bagpipe virus. A vacation job allowed him to afford his first bagpipe, a Scottish one. This was followed by two B.A.S. (Bodadeg ar Sonerion) courses in St. Evarzec with Bruno le Rouzic as teacher in the second course. Then, when the “Pacotins” turned to Flemish dances, Bernard took a playing course in Neufchâteau with Jean-Pierre Van Hees. He changed instruments and switched to the Flemish bagpipes; at first he had a less reliable instrument, which led him to order a “real” one, a bagpipe from Remy Dubois.
This was followed by the time with “Chantefoire”, a dance music group that played for 6 or 7 years in the Nord – Pas de Calais regions. He then met “Le Grand Rouge” and Eric Montbel, followed by courses in central France, which resulted in a different style of playing and another change of bagpipe to a “Béchonnet” by Bernard Blanc (14 pouces – the measure of the chanter, i.e. key of A). This was followed by the founding of the bagpipe association “Piposa”, the practice bagpipes and … the textbook.
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