Who would call an instrument a foolish woman? Why compose a classical work for a cow? Where would a man sabotage a rival's instrument moments before a competition? Siubhal's beautiful new publication, Donald MacPherson - A Living Legend, holds the answers.
Featuring the greatest artist of his generation, this lovingly produced CD-book (£16.99 at ww.siubhal.com) is a landmark recording of a studio-shy, multi award-winning piper. This September marks 50 years since Donald MacPherson made history, winning both the Gold Medal and the former winners' events on the same day. His extraordinary success at Scotland's premier competitions lasted from 1948 until his retirement in 1990, and is never likely to be equalled. Pibroch, the seventeenth-century bagpipe music of Gaelic Scotland, contains the most sophisticated, soulful melodies of any nation.
Recordings are rare, the tradition's demystification rarer still. Donald MacPherson - A Living Legend is the perfect introduction. It fills the gap between early classical and traditional Gaelic music, offering an entertaining and informative insight into pibroch's history and culture, past and present. It merits an appearance in every serious music collection.
Barnaby Brown says: "My aim producing this book-CD is twofold: firstly, to encourage concert organisers to open this fascinating treasure chest and display the musical riches of the Highlands in finer light; secondly, to help ensure that naturally eloquent interpretations such as Donald's are heard live for generations to come. His playing banishes discussion of what is "traditional" or "correct", baring the soul of the music through a mastery and musical genius that leave both inexpert listener and professional piper in awe." Donald MacPherson will be signing copies in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, at this year's Northern Meeting on 8 and 9 September.
Barnaby Brown was born and raised in Glasgow, read music at Cambridge University, and has played pibroch since the age of 10. He is the first Highland piper to apply the principles of the early music movement, reproducing period instruments and playing styles in accordance with historical sources. He has twice played for the Edinburgh International Festival and regularly gives workshops and recitals abroad. He founded Siubhal.com to enrich global musico-diversity, brightening the future of minority musical traditions by increasing the flow of
information, education and advocacy. He is also reintroducing the triplepipe, which disappeared from the UK in the Middle Ages but flourishes in Sardinia, where he now lives.
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