Inglis Collection of printed music > Printed text > Piobaireachd [Tus is Alt a'Chiuil-Mhoir]

14 Piobaireachd : its Origin and Construction
Scattered references are to be found in the works of various writers regarding
the history of several tunes, but there is not a book of any description that has ever
described or defined Ceol Mor. The only help procurable is from collections of
ancient piobaireachd in old MSS. and print, and a minute study of them alone.
One of the reasons for the decay of the composition of piobaireachd may be that many
who have the knowledge have not got time. Hence their opportunity is lost. Others
do compose to some extent, but their compositions never come to light for various
reasons. Again we have the professional class who spend the whole of their energies
on performance alone. Thus we may say that the future of piobaireachd is doomed,
and that its construction, or internal form, is in danger of being lost and forgotten
for ever. For hundreds of years the composition of piobaireachd has been neglected,
and it has not only been whispered, but, may I venture to say, that it has been
proclaimed to be a lost art.
If such be the truth, is it a time for us, the descendants of a great piping race,
to remain content with a name as performers only, while we allow the construction
of piobaireachd to remain a mystery and fall into oblivion ?
Let us remember that Scotland is the home of the Great Highland Bagpipe,
and that it is our duty to cultivate its music. We should strive to produce a work
that will make it clear and simple to all ; remove the stumbling-blocks that have
been hindrances in the past ; and stir up the piping world to perfection in theory,
as well as to excellence in practice.
The recent revival which has taken place in the Gaelic language is now beginning
to show signs of fruitfulness, and if we put our thoughts into action, in the near
future we shall see piobaireachd flourish as it has never done before.