Northumbrian Impressions, Op. 42a (1953)

These Northumbrian Impressions follow out the characteristic chanter scale and drones of the Northumbrian small pipes, a form of bagpipes used in Northumbria.

The drone can be adjusted to play one, two, or three of the following notes: D, G, or A below middle C, and D above middle C. The chanter has the following scale (starting in the octave above middle C): D, E, F sharp, G, A, B, C, C sharp, D, D sharp, E, F sharp, G, A, and B.

The instrument is intended to be played indoors The tone is penetrating but very sweet. It differs from the Scottish bagpipes in that the sound from the chanter is discontinuous, even while the drone is playing. This means that rests and staccato phrasing are possible in the melody played on the chanter.

A.B.