Description
This fascinating illustrated book “The bagpipe” illustrates the history of the bagpipe. On 184 four-color printed pages, Dr. Fritz Schneider publishes a selection of fascinating illustrations from his extensive iconographic collection. For half a century he has tirelessly collected all available illustrations relating to this drone instrument.
The cultural significance of the bagpipe
The bagpipe, also known as the bagpipes, was once widespread among all European peoples as well as in North Africa and the Orient. Throughout history, it has been depicted again and again by artists and craftsmen in a wide variety of techniques such as drawings, paintings, sculptures and sculptures. Images can be found both as religiously venerated pictures and as political caricatures, as genre depictions or as decorations for everyday objects.
Challenges in research
In order to research the history of a musical instrument, a scientist will first try to use original instruments that have been preserved. However, this method encounters more difficulties with the bagpipe than with most other instruments. The characteristic part of these instruments, namely the bag, is usually made of leather or rudimentary tanned animal skin. Both materials are very sensitive to moisture, which is constantly supplied to them by the air the player breathes. On the other hand, the bag can also dry out if the instrument is not played for a long time. In both cases, the bag is destroyed. What remains are the pipes, which are often no longer recognized as parts of a bagpipe. This is probably the reason why historical examples of the bagpipe are so rare.
The importance of iconographic sources
Anyone researching the history of the bagpipe is therefore dependent on other sources. Written evidence can often be found in literature, travel descriptions, court records and other documents – but exact descriptions of the instrument are rare. However, with the help of iconography, the interpretation of image content, it is possible to make statements about historical development and distribution.
Variety of bagpipes shown
When selecting the 83 pictures in “The bagpipe”, the author took care to include the bagpipes of as many peoples as possible. The book contains pictorial sources from all eras of the last thousand years.
The comprehensive explanation of the illustrations
The illustrations in “Die Sackpfeife”, some of which are printed on full pages, are explained and commented on in detail in four languages (German / English / French / Galician). The author not only goes into detail about the instrument depicted, but also provides fascinating information about the historical, technical, regional and social background.
