Quote Originally Posted by creagdhubh View Post
I agree as well, very interesting to learn of this, and to my hears, it makes sense. I also agree with the sentiments of other members in regards to this partilcular topic, if it upsets you that the pipes will not be played inside a church, perhaps at a wedding as in this example, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. I understand that many pipe bands and solo pipers do in fact play, or compete in an indoor setting, and that is perfectly acceptable, but to play inside of a church, sometimes, and in this specific case, is not acceptable.

Traditionally, the Great Highland Bagpipe is indeed an outdoor instrument (arguably deemed an instrument of war), many of us are already aware of this, and in my opinion, they should be primarily be used as such - they just sound better outside - especially when the wind carries the skirl of that wonderful, pleasing, particular sound of the chanter!

Slainte,
I imagine that what would upset the clergy about the pipes being played in the church is that at least in the case of a wedding, they would be playing something lively. (Remember that in pipe music itself there is also quite a strong divide between "light" music and the "serious" music of piobaireachd! But I won't get into that can of worms here...)

As for playing a lament at a funeral, I would imagine that this should be entirely appropriate... however... again, it would simply sound better outdoors at the grave site, or even better, a slight distance away. (Especially if it was way up in the mist-covered mountains...!)

Perhaps an instrument of that volume is simply meant to be heard from afar.

Cheers!

Michael