Binioù

{{Short description|Type of bagpipe instrument}}

{{more citations needed|date=June 2024}}

Image:Biniou-kozh-monte.JPG

The {{lang|br|binioù}} is a type of bagpipe. The word {{lang|br|binioù}} means 'bagpipe' in the Breton language.

There are two bagpipes called {{lang|br|binioù}} in Brittany: the traditional {{lang|br|binioù kozh}} or {{lang|br|biniou-bihan}} ({{lang|br|kozh}} means 'old' in Breton; {{lang|br|bihan}} means 'small') and the {{lang|br|binioù bras}} or {{lang|br|binioù braz}} ({{lang|br|bras}} means 'big'), which was brought into Brittany from Scotland in the late 19th century.{{Cite web |title=Binioù kozh (bagpipe) {{!}} French |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/503854 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=The Metropolitan Museum of Art}} The oldest native bagpipe in Brittany is the {{lang|br|veuze}}, from which the {{lang|br|binioù kozh}} is thought to be derived.

The {{lang|br|binioù bras}} is essentially the same as the Scottish great Highland bagpipe; sets are manufactured by Breton makers or imported from Scotland or elsewhere.

The {{lang|br|binioù kozh}} has a one octave scale, and is very high-pitched with a soprano sound; it is tuned to play one octave higher than the bombard which it accompanies. More traditional forms have a single drone, while modern instruments sometimes have two. In the old days the leather used for the bag was usually from a dog's skin, but this is nowadays replaced by synthetic materials or other leathers which are easier to procure, like cow or sheep.

Image:Bombarde und Biniou.JPG

Traditionally it is played in duet with the {{lang|br|talabard}}, a double-reed instrument which sounds an octave below the {{lang|br|binioù}} chanter, for Breton folk dancing. The {{lang|br|binioù bras}} is typically used as part of a {{lang|br|bagad}} band, although it is sometimes also paired with a {{lang|br|talabard}}.