129. Cabrette
The Cabrette is a traditional French bagpipe that originated in the Auvergne region of central France. It is a type of bagpipe that belongs to the family of mouth-blown bagpipes. The word "Cabrette" comes from the Occitan language, which means "goat" or "kid," referring to the goat-skin bag traditionally used to make the instrument's reservoir.
The Cabrette consists of a chanter (melody pipe) and one or two drones (continuous bass pipes). The chanter usually has a range of one octave, and it is played using a simple fingering system. The drones provide a continuous bass note or a harmonic accompaniment to the melody.
Traditionally, the Cabrette had a cylindrical bore, but modern versions often feature a conical bore. The instrument is made from various materials, including wood (such as boxwood or fruitwood) for the chanter and drones, and goat or sheep skin for the bag.
The player blows air into the bag through a blowpipe while squeezing the bag with their arm to maintain constant pressure. The air is then regulated by the player's arm pressure on the bag, allowing for continuous sound production. The sound of the Cabrette is characterized by its vibrant and lively tone.
The Cabrette has been used in traditional folk music of the Auvergne region, particularly for dancing and social gatherings. It has a distinctive and rustic sound that is often associated with the cultural heritage of the area. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Cabrette, and it is also played in contemporary folk and world music contexts.
