Aragonese musical instrument
The gaita de boto is a type of bagpipe native to the Aragon region of northern Spain.
Its use and construction were nearly extinct by the 1970s, when a revival of folk music began. Today there are various "gaita" builders, various schools and associations for "gaita" players, and more than a dozen Aragonese folk music groups which include the instrument in their ensemble. Most importantly, there are now several hundred "gaiteros" within Aragon.
Construction.
The gaita de boto consists of
The bag is traditionally made of goatskin and of large volume. At the hole in the skin corresponding to the neck of the goat they attach a stock with two holes where the "clarín" and "bordoneta" are placed side by side. It is the only bagpipe in Iberia where the chanter and drone are placed parallel to one another. At holes placed further back they insert a stock to insert the blowpipe, and another for the "bordón".
The location of the "bordón" is also distinctive, below the right arm of the player, as opposed to the standard Galician and Asturian bagpipe traditions which place the "bordón" over the shoulder.
The "boto" is covered with a fabric bag covering, resembling a child's dress often with a colourful pattern. There is a folk belief that the origin of the custom is that a piper in antiquity dressed his "gaita" in the clothing of his deceased daughter as a memorial.
The drones have reinforcing rings of pewter or horn, and some players also, whether out of fashion or superstition, wrap various portions of the pipes with snakeskin.
Acoustic characteristics.
The double-reeded chanter allows open or semi-closed fingering. It is generally pitched in the key of C major, which also allows playing in the relative key of A minor. The chanter's range is from B to C an octave above. The bordón is pitched at C, as is the bordonetta (an octave higher). Gaitas me also be found pitched in D or B♭.
Use.
The "gaita de boto" is principally used to accompany traditional and ritual dances. Currently it is used in such cases, promoted by the general recuperation and restoration of nearly-extinct ancient dances. However, the "gaita" has also reached larger popularity with Aragonese folk music groups, and has been used in their compositions. Groups such as Ixo Rai, La Ronda de Boltaña, Somerondón, La Orquestina del Fabirol, Lurte, Cornamusa, and Biella Nuei have increased the prominence of the "gaita de boto" within Aragon and abroad.
Traditionally, the "gaita de boto" was a solo instrument. It was also played with the trompa de Ribagorza until the start of the 1900s. Following its revival, the gaita has frequently been played with the "dulzaina" and drum and played alongside many other acoustic and electric instruments in folk music groups.
References.
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