The bagpipe is thought to have originated in India. It reportedly traveled with caravans to the Mediterranean basin before spreading throughout Europe. However, it may have multiple origins.

The bagpipe is associated with Celtic music, particularly Scottish music. However, bagpipe players can be found all over the world. Likewise, the bagpipe is not used solely in Celtic music.

Scotland

Scottish military music

Scotland is, of course, the home of the bagpipe. It is the quintessential instrument of Scottish military music.

The film *The Longest Day*, about the D-Day landings, features a bagpiper playing unflappably under bombardment to accompany the soldiers.

Every year in Edinburgh, an international military music spectacular is held at the castle, where the bagpipe holds a place of honor.

Tri Yann

The group Tri Yann ("the three Johns") is from Nantes. Their style is inspired by traditional Breton and Celtic music and songs.

Michao's mare is undoubtedly one of Tri Yann's most famous songs, although in fact it belongs to the traditional French repertoire and that it was taken over and rearranged by the band.

One of Tri Yann's most beautiful songs is "Si mort a mors" (if death has bitten), inspired by an anonymous Breton poem, written in French on the occasion of the funeral of Duchess Anne. The music is that of the traditional Irish song An Cailín Rua.

And to compare, the song An Cailín Rua.

Dances

Celtic music goes hand in hand with folk dances.

Breton dances

Dances by the Saint-Malo group Quic-en-Groigne.

Breton dance is very sporty. Here, the performance of Breton comedian Simon Cojean.

Breton folk dances are still as popular with the public as ever. It is not uncommon during a concert of Breton music to see the public spontaneously start dancing.

Irish dances

Irish dancing is also very popular. They are characterized above all by rapid movements of the legs, while the rest of the body, trunk and arms remain fixed and very rigid.

These dances were popularized by the show Riverdance.