Northumbrian Folk
Discover the sound of Northumberland
Northumberland has a strong tradition of folk music and even has its own instrument: the Northumbrian smallpipes. This small set of bellows blown bagpipes has a sweeter, lighter sound than highland pipes, which is why they were sometimes called ‘parlour pipes’.
A revival of Northumbrian music in the 1970s and the work of dedicated local musicians, including piper Kathryn Tickell, has created an incredibly vibrant Northumbrian music scene. The first Folk degree course was offered at Newcastle University, and the Sage Gateshead concert hall has promoted Northumbrian traditional music to people of all ages. It’s a wonderful musical heritage, of which we are very proud.
At Hunting Hall, music plays a central role in our daughter’s lives. Alice and Roberta have both studied at St. Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, and, as well as being accomplished classical musicians, they enjoy a lively role in the Northern Folk Scene.Follow this link to find out more about our musicians.
| We have recorded two short extracts of Northumbrian music which you can listen to by following the links: | |
| ‘Return from Helsinki’ by Ian Stephenson and ‘Taking the Tent Down’ by Julian Sutton | These are two composers at the heart of the today’s dynamic modern North East Folk movement. The pieces are performed by Roberta on clarsach and Alice on Northumbrian smallpipes. |
| ‘The Carrick Hornpipe’ by Billy Pigg and ‘Lads of Alnwick’ (trad) | Alice performs two traditional Northumbrian smallpipes tunes. |
You will find several CDs of Northumbrian music in the cottages and if Alice or Roberta are at home they may be available to give a short recital. Please ask Karen for further details.
