An introduction to Northumbrian smallpipes

[@vinny142]

You have to rub your belly, pat your head, flip a pancake and hoover the bedroom all at the same time. God how I admire people who can do this stuff, I get confused in a revolving door!

[@robertquinn8210]

Thank you, Vinny142, good response. And thank you, Ms Tickell, good introduction.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

Well said! 😄

[@markharvey7988]

Hahaha! Prior to moving down here to comment I was thinking much the same thing. Makes learning to play any other instrument child's play!

[@awayaymugye]

Me too. When I'm around people who play instruments, make things etc. I feel like my knuckles are scraping the floor.

[@TheWanderfound]

That sort of multitasking seems to be a Northumbrian specialty. I once saw a Northumbrian folkie who was singing one tune, playing a harmonising-but-different tune with the bow on her fiddle, while simultaneously plucking a third contrasting tune on the fiddle strings with her left hand.

[@KowboyUSA]

Learned more about bagpipes in less than 4 minutes than in the rest of my entire life.

[@alfnoakes392]

Wonderful musicianship. . A family of instruments that owes its worldwide existence to the fact that shepherds have had a lot of time, and dead sheep, on their hands over the millennia.

[@backalleycqc4790]

"Billy! Those dead sheep are not going to make a bagpipe themselves overnight, get to it, laddy'"

[@mountainhun]

@@backalleycqc4790 Och, but I dinnae want ta play the pipes, can't I just sew it up and play football?

[@releasekracklin4538]

Wow....lol

[@releasekracklin4538]

Love the history background.

[@1johnnygunn]

And the crusades brought piping to Europe, at least according to some theorists.

[@laughingbuddha1709]

I have to admit, when I a saw "Northumbrian smallpipes" I thought it was something we should all be vaccinated against. It was a lovely sound, thanks for sharing!

[@jamiegalbraith4874]

I am fucking dead at this comment 😂😂😂

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Yo don't even joke, my mom got the 'smallpipes and she's never been the same since 😂

[@carolinej3661]

LOLOL!!!

[@Zoidberg227]

@@jamiegalbraith4874 Well, you wouldn't be dead if you'd had your smallpipe vaccination, now would you??

[@WgCdrLuddite]

I imagined Georgie children running mob-handed to pick your pockets.

[@jonstarbird8484]

The Northumbrian pipes sound much cleaner and melodic than any other pipes I have heard.

[@Bryan-jm4uc]

As soon as she started playing I got goosebumps. Legendary

[@neatchipops3428]

...and if you'd been in the room, you'd have watery eyes too... and not (just) from emotion... possibly other physical distresses as well. ; )

[@catalogodefantasmas]

I was there in Durham's cathedral when you were playing the Northumbrian smallpipe and the fiddle as well. Was one of the best moments in my life. Thank you, Madame Tickell. You are a magnificent artist.

[@David-qy9vd]

I am from Durham but don’t live there anymore. I wish I could have been there to witness that!

[@professorlegacy]

When she says "One of the things that's fascinating about bagpipes" and she flairs her fingers and smiles, I know she absolutely means it 👍🔥

[@sablatnic8030]

And she is right! I'm always fascinated by things I don't know!

[@FlatlandMando]

The beauty of this kind of pipe is you could sing too. No matter, your pipe- playing is very expressive with or without singing.

[@anonagain]

My cats normally despise bagpipes and act very disturbed when they hear them, but they love the Northumbrian pipes and seem very soothed by the sound. Thanks.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Most cats are English. Little-known fact.

[@goodun2974]

I had a huge Shrpherd mix who would howl like the Hound of the Baskervilles whenever he heard bagpipes, harmonica, or saxophone. It was like some kind of canine Tuvan throat singing, like he was channeling his wolf ancestors.

[@patrickcannady2066]

bagpipes are no more inherently loud and shrill than they are a military instrument. stop thinking Scottish Great Highland Bagpipes = BAGPIPES, period, because it just isn't so.

[@bigl6322]

RobMacKendrick..... oh shit, I thought they were all Egyptian with the cleopatra attitudes...lol

[@michaelemory552]

Domestic cats, domestic smallpipes. Below is mention of Tuvan throat singing. I taught myself styles of singing and as I lay singing on the floor my cat would settle on my chest purring. We also napped together in a tree.

[@azmike1956]

I came for the pipes but stayed for her. What a sweet young lady!💕

[@samuelmarlow1969]

Oh she is rather lovely I must agree!! 😁🥰

[@Kaiser_Murphy]

This is absolutely beautiful in every way.

[@aaronag7876]

Wow amazing instrument. When you did the scales at the start, it sounded electronic but then the bellos playing the bass line tone, was such an amazing vibration in my headphones. Thank you for sharing how this works and the terminology for each part.

[@Labroidas]

This sounds absolutely lovey. Bagpipes need to come more into focus again in the international music scene in my opinion, they absolutely have the potential. Such a strong, clear, honest, humble though self-confident sound, and at the same time mellow and sweet, like a lyrical baritone or dark tenor. Really nice.

[@intelligenthomeonline2834]

Something reaches into your soul when you listen to the pipes. Love it, and thanks for introducing me to the Northumbrian ones.

[@rickb9238]

I really like the tone of those pipes. I’ve never seen or heard those pipes before, thank you.👍👍

[@loveistruth5713]

I don't know what's more lovely you or the sound of your Enchanted playing thank you for brightening up my morning here in the USA

[@eliofistarol8479]

Hey Kathryn I really love your bagpipe playing. After hearing the thing you played at 1:50, I thought that the bagpipe timber and sound would really fit modern fusion jazz. The sound would really be great for those roaring synth solos (compare to Cory Henry's solo on Snarky Puppy's Song Lingus). I think you could come up with some amazing stuff and introduce your wonderful instrument to the rich and wonderful world of contemporary Fusion. It might not be your repertoire but i think it is most definitely worth a try!!

[@woodywoods5373]

Beautiful instrument,beautiful woman, I can watch you play for hours, your also very talented. Thank you for sharing your instrument I've never heard or seen one. Thanks again.:-)

[@LearnRunes]

Thanks for teaching the world about this little known instrument.

[@raycope2086]

Grand Kathryn. I've enjoyed listening to you over the years and I still do. It blows my tiny wee mind when you explain the mechanics of it all though. You look just as lovely as ever pet. I wish you rainbows.

[@ethanpiersonjohn]

Oh my - it is such a sweet sounding instrument! I love pipes.

[@mseifried5]

Oh yes she taught me a lot about the pipes. I've always wanted to learn to play them. Ms. Tickell, you are absoulutley gorgeous! Thanks

[@grantmourning189]

I'm from United States and this is so beautiful!!!

[@marcillioficino4663]

What a fascinating instrument.

[@lifeinlimbo2186]

I wish you could have played forever. Lovely and beautiful sound. Lovely and beautiful musicianship. And,yes,a lovely and beautiful piper.

[@seaghanobuadhaigh8240]

I remember this lady being on TV when she was a schoolgirl. It was some kind of programme about people with unusual hobbies. The only other one I remember was Geoff Capes - an exhibition budgie breeder.

[@wulfocrow5549]

exhibition budgie breeder, what a hobby.

[@pegjames188]

Budgie breeder and Olympic shot putter.

[@hoilst]

@@pegjames188 Seaghan kinda buried the lede with that one...or did he?

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent overview of the instrument. Very interesting.

[@lesleyd41]

Seen Kathryn tickell a few times....always excellent.

[@robbiekipping1124]

What magic you weave. Thank you for the love you find and give in your music. Dr. K

[@davidgoodwin7269]

Thanks Kathryn. Great to see you spreading the word, and the music.

[@devonbloke]

Even though I'm from South west England, hearing the pipes always gives me goosebumps

[@evanjazzista]

I'm half French - half Italian and it has the same effect on me.

[@larry-naylor]

The elbow pipes have a sound all of their own. They're mellow and moving and incredibly beautiful.

[@leoburns9674]

What a lovely talent, with soft, efficient hands and a great ear… effortless execution and comfort on a great set of pipes! 😊👍

[@BinkyTheElf1]

So evocative. It’s like the music of souls made audible.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

Binks Webelf Interesting that you should say that. Check out the song “Island of Souls” by Sting.

[@tombarnes7846]

Grand artistry through a superb medium--your heart comes through the instrument so well.

[@TheIanoTube]

Came here from the opening song in The Wicker Man (1973). Great sound

[@pdavide1]

Kathryn thanks for sharing this. I've often wondered what makes Northumbrian's different from other small pipes. I have "Debateable Lands" and it's one of my favorite's.

[@davidharrison6615]

they are such a gentle sound . wonderful . thank god I trace my roots back 700 years in this amazing part of the world . thank you .

[@macsen55LoneWolf]

Beautiful Kathryn, the best Northumbrian piper!

[@Phil-ww1dv]

Thank you for teaching me how these Northumbrian - smallpipes operate.

[@OrdinaryDude]

Very cool. I never knew those existed. Beautiful!

[@PhilKelley]

What a brilliant idea - pipes that allow you to accompany yourself while singing. Strange that other folks did not catch on. Blowing up the bag by blowing into it makes no sense, once you have seen this. Thanks for a very illuminating video.

[@Zauberbratsche]

As a string player (violin/viola) I was quite impressed that you have a way to effectively do vibrato on your pipes!

[@stlev99]

Reminds of uileann pipes but has an even sweeter sound. First time I've heard it. Fantastic. Thank you

[@andrewwigglesworth3030]

@Urien Rheged No. The Northumbrian Smallpipes were developed from the early modern period, reaching their modern setup (with keys) in the early 19th century. They developed from earlier bagpipes with the influence of French bagpipes (not so unusual) as parlour pipes. Bagpipes were common all over Britain.

[@TheEleventeen]

Thank you Ms. Kathryn Tickell for this wonderful video ! It made my day.

[@steveforster9764]

Kathryn a lovely Northumbrian lass

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Lovely, simply lovely...and the pipes were nice too!

[@SobiTheRobot]

I'll admit, I almost choked laughing when I first heard the instrument *hooonk*, but...well, hearing it in tune is actually lovely.

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Woah I think I stepped on a duck!

[@patrickcannady2066]

Northumbrian smallpipes can be very pretty in the right hands

[@jacklucas2428]

when you actually started playing it made my eyes well up

[@georgemorley1029]

That’s because they are.

[@rileybeach3984]

I'm currently learning the Great Highland Bagpipes on an indoor practice set. I quite adore the Northumbrian smallpipes and hope to get a set of them someday. I really appreciate you giving a demonstration with the fingers, as I've never been able to find a finger chart for the Northumbrian smallpipes. It doesn't look that complex for people who've played other woodwinds, which I have.

[@DarrenSangita]

Thank you for sharing such a succinct introduction to this mysterious instrument, at least to those of us that don’t know about it. Enjoyed one of your compositions on Radio 3 this morning and having such a marvellous time enjoying your works online. Thank you for your dedication to music and the instrument and being such an incredible player. ❤️🙏🏾🌏

[@kevinmatthews9469]

You are so beautiful when you play those pipes. I loved it.

[@brianobrien595]

It's a lovely sound and thanks for explaining how the instrument works. Georgious mellow sound.

[@jimksa67]

Very touching to hear a woman of depth Cheers from Canada

[@rogerbrooks8275]

Glad I came across this. I’ve always liked listening to the pipes, but never knew what the pipes I now know to be drones were doing. Brilliant!

[@garynarborough]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks for the detailed explanation and the tune. I've really become interested in the different types of pipes and their evocative music. Thanks again Kathryn.

[@kevinhendryx665]

Kathryn's recordings are never far from our stereo! A great musician and person and the veritable Queen of Pipers!

[@patrickcannady2066]

she is a fantastic piper, no doubt. I've always liked her music.

[@ironpirate8]

Brilliant, love the haunting sound. No tubes full of spittle, that's a bonus!

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

Excellent!!! I and yon neighbors found this bonnie lass thoroughly enchanting. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@benbrown8258]

Great explanation. Quite amazed to find out how the varied pitches/tones are achieved. Thank you kindly.

[@LokiDWolf]

Beautiful visual. Beautiful voice. Beautiful sound. Thank you for such loveliness and daydream. Felt like flying over a field of green. :)

[@petermoore8811]

was looking for uilleann pipes but glad i seen this. Never knew about these pipes. Reminds me of Tudor music. Wonderful sound.

[@TrailTrek]

Very informative, thank you very much for taking the time to upload. Great watch, keep playing.

[@christopherbarber9351]

thank you! much more melodious than I was expecting. I really appreciate the demonstration of the elements of the instrument.

[@ssmith954]

Fascinating -- and what an absolutely beautiful sound! Thanks for sharing!

[@tony5535]

Thank you for making me cry and miss home.

[@AnTiThesis-HaT-HoT]

Enchanting, dreamy, evocative and spectacular all at once!

[@flamencoprof]

I had to wipe tears from my eyes to see enough to write this compliment to a beautiful sound.

[@WilliamSaadGuitar]

Great intro to an instrument family that has always been a mystery to me. Thank you!

[@mixolydian2010]

I dont think i have heard these before and they are the prettiest sounding ones i have heard and a lovely little tune too. Cheers

[@carlmildner859]

wonderful intro to the small pipes . Thank you Kathryn

[@rayfarrell9444]

There’s a lovely tone to that particular brand of N pipes as we’d call them. Very hard to replicate with Scottish haggis pipes. There a different class.

[@patrickcannady2066]

Vastly different instruments made for vastly different purposes. It's like comparing a rustic, medieval shawm to modern oboe. Superficially similar, yes, but...you get the idea.

[@ZvikaDror]

You gut to love a woman with small pipes :) Lovely introduction and awesome vibrato I think I've never heard before! Cheers and stay safe

[@SONGSTICKS]

I mc'd for Kathryn and Lynn Tocker many moons ago at the Chelmsford YMCA Folk club. Bloody marvelous then and still Bloody marvelous !! Love the Northumbrian pipes.

[@Haramyst]

Very informative and appreciate your talent. But i had to watch it twice, distracted as I was by your charm and stiking beauty. Give us fellows a moment to catch up!

[@philspinner4638]

I'm a soft Southern you know what but have always loved Johnny Handle and the High Level Ranters. My late brother and I bought everything they ever released. Now I can't get enough of Kathryn Tickell. Seen both live and love the pipes. Who wouldn't.

[@joemitchell8573]

ethereal, magic i can almost see the mist rising up from the loch while this haunting music drifts with it.

[@nesponge1]

There are no Lochs in Northumberland, or England for that matter.

[@cholulahotsauce6166]

What a wonderful clear sound.

[@Treeman196]

Saw this lady over 20 years ago in Winchester she captivated me then as well beautiful northern lass

[@susandoerr3896]

thank you for sharing your beautiful small pipes which sure gave a wonderful sound. I would buy all the instuments if I could and give them to someone else to play. lovely all these beautiful sounds and the talent that made it partly possible.

[@timallen6025]

Fabulous sound(s) and walk through of just how what and when.. thank you

[@scillyautomatic]

Wow! The first note took me straight back to Sting's album "The Soul Cages". Beautiful. Thanks for posting it.

[@lastup4170]

Your lovely voice is music to my ears.

[@Khamomil]

Lovely instrument. The lady played a beautiful vibrato I didn't know could be achieved.

[@jerryarcher6916]

I love hearing the pipes play...my favorite song is Molly Ban.

[@kevingrime5772]

Excellent!! One of the main feature of this type of pipe is the player can also SING!! essential in small community gatherings passing on what is " local history" to those descendants who could not write or read.

[@ruwn561]

Love from newcastle, love the Northumbrian pipes.

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

Wonderful video ! You are very talented not only in music but speaking as well. Very enlightening video , thank you.

[@jolox.]

What a cool instrument! Thank you for introducing it to us! Really beautiful sound!

[@felixreali7101]

Thanks for sharing this. So nice to get the details on these lovely instruments.

[@EdExploresScotland]

It's just such a beautiful sound.

[@rrss5497]

Don't know which I love more, Lovely Kathryn and her touch on the pipes, or the sound of the pipes themselves....sure, its Kathryn, then. Cheers, then!

[@Marialla.]

Very interesting! Excellent demonstration.

[@feiseldad]

I tip my cap to you, Kathryn. Very well done! and beautiful sound.

[@allanwells4886]

Love the sound. A mate of mine, here in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains of NSW, makes (and plays) the Irish elbow pipes; they sound amazing as well. Ian's mate Dicky Deegan works magic on the things.

[@jamesbond4633]

Thats great. Didn't realize how the drone worked and you have to tune it on the fly. Lovely sound!!!

[@TheRick8866]

Beautiful music and a beautiful lady

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Your music resonates deeply with me. What an incredible instrument, and what a lovely example of this instruments potential. Thank you Kathryn for your beautiful playing ! I have subscribed to your channel to learn more of this instrument ! Expanding Knowledge.

[@MaevynStone]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing how these work!!!