Scottish

Introduction to Scottish Traditional Music

• Scottish traditional music is deeply rooted in Celtic music, featuring a variety of instrumental pieces, songs and dances.
• The music is often associated with Scottish history and folklore, lending it a distinctly cultural character.
• Instruments typically used include the bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, and more recently, the guitar.

Key Features of Scottish Traditional Music

• This genre often incorporates both slow, melancholy melodies and lively, energetic tunes.
• The use of asymmetric time signatures is common, such as the 9/8 time signature in slip jigs.
• Scottish traditional music frequently features repetitive melodies and rhythms, giving it a highly structured nature.

Recognisable Artists

• Pipers such as Alasdair Gillies and bands like The Corries and Runrig have significantly contributed to the genre.
• Contemporary Scottish artists like Julie Fowlis and bands like Peatbog Faeries incorporate traditional elements into their music.

Technical Aspects

• The drone sound of bagpipes, a constant sounding note over which the melody is played, is a defining factor.
• The fiddle, played with a variety of bowing techniques, creates a wide range of expressive nuances.
• The ornamental technique of grace notes adds to the distinctive character of the genre.

Role of Technology

• Improvements in recording technology have allowed Scottish traditional music to be documented, preserved, and shared beyond geographical boundaries.
• The advent of digital music platforms, where artists can share their music internationally, has broadened the genre’s listenership.

Impact on Society

• Scottish traditional music has a strong role in maintaining a sense of national identity.
• The popularisation of Celtic music festivals and competitive events like the Mod and Highland games showcase the genre’s cultural importance.
• It has influenced various forms of global folk music, and importantly, has been key in the rise of the Celtic punk and rock genres.