Hew Morrison Collection > Piobaireachd

PREFACE
It will be readily admitted by all lovers of the Great Highland Bagpipe that the
definition of Ceol Mor has been passed over and neglected, not only in the earliest
stages of its infancy, but by the present enlightened age.
Although we have many printed volumes of piobaireachd, yet there is not a
book in existence that solves the many difficulties which he before the student.
It has been the great desire of my hfe to prepare a work that will in some degree
make piobaireachd as clear to the }-outh of twelve years of age as to the student of
mature years, and if the present work will be of any assistance to those who wish
to study this ancient art, in my own heart I will rejoice.
Piobaireachd is an art which stands in a very high position. It influences the
thoughts, and has a power over the emotions of the Highland heart that no other
type of music can equal.
The birth of the Chief is heralded by this peculiar music, and, strange to say, tlie
notes of the heart-rending Lament lull him to sleep while he closes his eyes in death.
The volume is dedicated by permission to the Noblemen and Gentlemen of The
Highland Society of London, by whose patronage the art of Ancient Piobaireachd
has been rescued from being lost and forgotten, at a time when its performance was
practically looked upon as illegal, after the rising of '45.
I take this opportunity of thanking the Patrons, Patronesses, and Subscribers
who have shown their practical interest in the classical music of the Great Highland
Bagpipe, which it is earnestly hoped will no longer be proclaimed a lost art, or its
construction declared to be a mystery.
JOHN GRANT.
Edinburgh, 1st July, 1915.