"Congratulations on coming up with
this instrument - I think the Highland Hornpipe is first
class. A great invention or resurrection, whichever it is.
Pipe music translates immediately onto the Highland Hornpipe
thus making pipers perhaps the most obvious players of the
instrument. However it would also be a colourful addition
for flute and whistle players. The Highland Hornpipe could
also appeal to clarinet and saxophone players looking for
a more 'ethnic' sound. The alto sax mouthpiece allows for
dynamic expression, creative control of pitch and phrasing
and the ability to use the tongue, in addition to gracing,
to punctuate the music. This introduces several music making
options that don't exist for bagpipe players whilst still
allowing tunes to be fingered in the usual manner. The Highland
Hornpipe enables pipers who don't play bellows-blown pipes
to join in sessions. It's in the right key and of a sufficient
volume to fit in well with other traditional instruments.
Most people should within minutes be able to produce a satisfying
sound. Thereafter, as with anything else, regular practice
will help develop tone, control and articulation. Unlike
the whistle, the Highland Hornpipe gives pipers something
to really blow against, especially when using a stronger
reed.
From the first time I played the Highland
Hornpipe, it suggested to me the music of Eastern Europe
- Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia - its reminiscent of
the clarinets and duduks of these places. And it's largely
in that vein that I’ve played the instrument so far.
It's going to be very useful to me as a texture and melody
device since I often compose and record in a ‘world
music’ style for TV projects."
