Last tune and chorus
If you could choose, what would be the last tune that you ever play? The last words in life of the famous are often quoted, and I’m sure that many of us hope to utter something profound or telling on our deathbed, as in the movies. Based on a few unfortunate experiences, it doesn’t seem to happen that way, but it’s a nice thought.
It seems to me, though, that we pipers and pipe band drummers should hope to play our favourite tune, or at least something meaningful, the last time we play with the band or the big pipes. At the risk of sounding morbid, I frequently think after a practice session or a competition event, that that tune could be the last tune of my life.
Not that I have any reason to believe that I’m going to kick off any time soon – any more than at any other time, at least – but I try to be conscious of living and doing things as if there is no time to waste. I like doing nothing from time to time as much as the next person (that, too, can be living life to the fullest), but I tend to have a do-it-now personality. It helps with productivity and getting things done.
Carpe diem, and all that.
I can’t recall anyone remarking on a person’s last tune in life. But I’d like to imagine that John D. Burgess had a nice run through “In Praise of Morag” or his classic arrangement of “P-M George S. Allan.” Maybe G.S. McLennan reeled off “The Little Cascade” before he finally lost the lung capacity for the big pipe. Or Captain John MacLellan recorded his “Phantom Piper of the Corrieyarrick,” always trying to help future pipers.
For myself, I’m not sure what I like to play last – the most meaningful tune to me that concludes a piping life. If I had a tune closely associated with me by others, it would be that. But I don’t believe that’s the case.
So, I think I’d like to play something I associate with others. “Lament for Mary MacLeod” was my non-piping dad’s favourite (it reminded him of the classic theme to “Jesus Christ, Superstar”), and I like it a lot, too, so that would be nice. Or perhaps “Lochanside” or “Highland Brigade at Magersfontein,” my personal two favourite tunes of all time. Or maybe “Edinburgh City Police,” in honour of my father-in-law. Or Michael Grey’s wonderful “Annabel,” which he wrote for my daughter. Or Bill Livingstone’s brilliant tribute to my lovely bride, “Greyfriar’s Julie.”
I don’t know. Not all of them could be played last every time I practice. But I find it an interesting thought, and, thinking about it, being spoiled for choice is suggestive of life’s richness.
May we all live forever, but, if you could have it your way, what might be your final tune?
The Dark Isle
Or another i’ll add is Largo from Antonin Dvorak’s 9th symphony aka Going Home aka Theme of Local Hero Dire Straights. Iv’e played behind a full pipe band on the drum kit and loved this and it’s dynamic build, stirring stuff.
Bells of Dunblane, twice through, very slowly and perfectly in tune without any mistakes, crossing sounds, or squeaks! I know it’s two but I’d finish it with Farewell to Camraw ’cause it goes together kind of like it was meant to part II.
Two of my favorites. I would have to live forever to achieve a perfectly in tune set of pipes, etc.!
another one bites the dust
My favourite is Mrs McPherson of Inveran. At my age I would love to be able to play it. Maybe I could get someone else to play it as my last tune.
A Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick
The Lament for the Viscount of Dundee. There are so many beautiful tunes out there, but none more beautiful than this.
Lament for the Children!