Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:48 PM

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Scotland the Brave !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No the national anthem is Flower of Scotland.

Scotland the Brave is just another one of those over played tunes and it drives me nearly as mad as playing Amazing Grace! However it does have the advantage of waking the English up!

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: Banjer
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:44 PM

While on this train of thought, (I personally love hearing the pipes, BTW) why is it that at almost any event, parade, or gathering of any sort, Scotland The Brave is played? It would seem to me that song is more like a national anthem and that it should be revered like our Star Spangled Banner. Not that I mind hearing Scotland THe Brave, it is very pretty tune. As for Amazing Grace on the pipes, the hearing of it never fails to dampen the eyes....It is such a beautiful melody.

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:26 PM

I rather think that the Pipe Band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards had a lot to do with it by have a hit record with it in the 70's. As a piper, personally, I hate playing it but am always being asked to play it. Its boring to play and I think it sounds crappy BUT people identify with it for some reason and they like it - possibly because its the only pipe tune that they've ever heard. There are a lot more tunes that are more evocitive and emotional - e.g. Highland Cathederal, Flowers of the Forest _ I guess we'll only hear an end to Amazing Grace when some one has a hit with a different tune (Mull of Bloody Kintire is another pet hate)

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:20 PM

I imagine that whoever put Amazing Grace and the bagpipes together had heard the recording by the Great Awakening (used extensively at the Isle of Wight Pop Festival in 1969). It was done on guitars but it sounded 'really bagpipey'.

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: RichM
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:17 PM

The problem with "traditional" music is that, well, it becomes common: often played, often cherished.

There was a great bluegrass tune in the 70's : Fox On The Run- that was so overplayed that now NO ONE will do it. Too bad, it's a great harmony song.
Time to brush off the dust on some less known songs and play the **** out of 'em?

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: BH
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:12 PM

It may well be that besides being a simple melody with only slightly changed words over the years it speaks to people of all denominations. It does that in a most haunting way.

As for the bagpipes---well, I don't klnow how that came about since it is used fairly universally. To me, personally, I find the bagpipe sound one I care not at all for.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:11 PM

..and lots of people like it...

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: Kim C
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:11 PM

Guest, you are right about all those things. I'm not disputing that one bit. It does sound really good on the pipes, and it's a great tune, in fact, one of my favorites... which is why I'm a little peeved that it's become so COMMON in the last few years.

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:09 PM

...and the words are very uplifting...

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From:
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:05 PM

Karen, check out this thread

Amazing Grace

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:05 PM

It's easy to play/sing too...

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: greg stephens
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:04 PM

I think if you track this one back you'll find Judy Collins was largely responsible. The bagpipers hadnt taken it up before her hit, as far as I recall. Neither was it used in every cliche situation. It was known, but it wasnt that well-known.

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: Kim C
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:54 PM

Yes, but aren't there others?

Subject: RE: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:46 PM

Because it's a good tune and sounds good when played on bagpipes?

Subject: Amazing Grace and the Bagpipes
From: Kim C
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:41 PM

I would like to know how it is that Amazing Grace is the Only Hymn Ever Written as well as The Only Tune Bagpipers Know.

Seriously, I mean no offense. I am curious as to how Amazing Grace became so closely associated with the bagpipes, and why it has to get played so often. It's like the Orange Blossom Special of the bagpipes.

And anytime there's a hymn-sing, you know someone is going to want to do Amazing Grace.

(can you tell I'm just a WEE BIT tired of it?)

Feeling a wee bit punchy today ----- Kim C