Description
This instruction book, a collaboration with the English Bagpipe Society, is an indispensable companion for anyone wishing to learn the semi-closed French fingering on the bagpipes. “Playing the Bagpipes” was written in English.
Unfolding the musical spectrum
Thanks to the wide range and chromatic ability of these bagpipes, “Playing the Bagpipes” opens up a broad musical spectrum. The instruments, which are common in many parts of Europe, are particularly ubiquitous in the folk dance scene. Their musical flexibility allows them to interpret music ranging from medieval sounds to traditional European dance melodies and new compositions.
Systematic curriculum: From beginner to expert
The book begins with a clear introduction to basic playing techniques. A large number of exercises in “Playing the Bagpipes” offer students ample opportunity to practise what they have learned. The selected melodies correspond to the current level of difficulty and are designed to help musicians build up an individual repertoire.
Bernard Boulanger: A master shares his expertise
Bernard Boulanger, a virtuoso and teacher, has developed this textbook to pass on his knowledge. With more than 20 years of experience in his music school ‘La Piposa’, he has had a significant influence on French bagpipe music. In the second part of the textbook “Playing the Bagpipes”, Boulanger goes beyond traditional ornamentation techniques and explains how the famous Scottish grace notes can be reproduced on this type of bagpipe.
Diverse learning opportunities for all
The textbook is ideal for self-study as well as for use in music schools and regular lessons. Developed in close cooperation with experienced musicians, music teachers and instrument makers, the “Playing the Bagpipes” teaching method has proven itself in practice.
Discover the world of French bagpipes
Dive deep into the world of French bagpipes and develop your musical potential. With each lesson and the accompanying CD, you will master the subtle nuances of playing and deepen your musical understanding.
Now it’s your turn
Start your path to mastery with this textbook, available in English, German and French, and let Bernard Boulanger’s expertise guide you. Every ambitious bagpipe player will find an indispensable companion in “Playing the Bagpipes”.
Foreword
Having played at over 200 folk dances and sat in a chair right next to Bernard Boulanger, I can tell you that this gentleman knows what he’s doing! Devilish tempo under a velvety fingering… A sideways glance; dark during unnecessary acceleration, sparkling when we changed bourrées “on the fly”! And not to mention his feet! You have to see how his feet give rhythm to the pieces when he plays sitting down, impressive! Bernard was an excellent dancer before he became this outstanding bagpipe teacher, and you can feel it!
Bernard is persistent! He has been working on this method for almost 15 years. And to be sure that his teaching method works, he has not only obtained a state diploma for teaching traditional music, but he has simply created a learning environment from scratch: LA PIPOSA. And in this workshop for young musicians, where almost 500 pupils were taught, he tested, improved, corrected and finally perfected his method day after day. You only have to listen to a concert by LA PIPOSA today to really become aware of its achievements.
For a long time, Scottish or Irish bagpipers had their method, and now those who own a “Central France” type bagpipe have their own… The gap has been filled, and the oral tradition will not suffer, as Bernard takes great care, both in his method as a musician and in the pages of his book, to remind us that apart from precise, codified and necessary exercises, there is nothing better than rubbing shoulders with the reality of playing with others…
A faithful companion of teachers, organizers, students, workshop participants and other wind players, Bernard Boulanger’s bagpipe method, which illuminates the end of this century, will undoubtedly remain a valuable book, inspired by the “old greats” such as Hotteterre and Chédeville…
And I have no doubt that as you follow his advice in these pages, you will from time to time feel a few glances hovering over your exercises, sometimes dark with criticism, sometimes sparkling with encouragement….
Many thanks to you, Bernard, and to La Piposa!
Roland Delassus
Author:in
Bernard Boulanger
Bernard Boulanger is a much admired virtuoso on this instrument. He has been teaching beginners in northern France for more than 20 years. His music school “La Piposa” has produced a number of outstanding musicians in recent years and has earned the high reputation it enjoys in the French bagpipe scene. Boulanger, who is a teacher by profession, worked on this book for more than 12 years. He has succeeded in systematically describing and explaining the variety of playing and ornamentation techniques.
