Article

‘Sweet Sounds the Ancient Pibroch’: Authentic Ceòl Mór in New Zealand

Daniel Milosavljevic

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 3 (2015)

Pages: 86-109 | Published Online: 2015

https://doi.org/10.64208/WGDW7505

Abstract

Material describing the current cultural parameters, meaning and value of piobaireachd (also known as pibroch/ceòl mór), either within or beyond Scotland, is limited in its contemporary and global application. This research attempts to address such limitations by investigating piobaireachd in contemporary society from a cultural and social perspective. In particular it considers whether piobaireachd in New Zealand has been localised by investigating concepts of cultural authenticity embedded within musical sound. It draws upon existing scholarship and contributes towards the discourse on music and culture. This paper suggests we re-think piobaireachd as the authentic aural embodiment of the past, and recognise it as a subculture existing within a contemporary global context, where definitions vary and concepts of the past are subject to social influence. Cultural approaches offer much to the study of musics, including considerable potential for new interpretations, insights and directions for Highland bagpiping.

Keywords: Piobaireachd, ceòl mór, pibroch, authenticity, localisation, sound

Author: Daniel Milosavljevic