All set for 2012: PiobSoc assigns requirements for next year’s solo piping gatherings

The Piobaireachd Society has settled on the tunes that the world’s top solo pipers will have to choose from when they submit the required number for the ceol mor competitions at the major events in 2012, primarily the Argyllshire Gathering and the Northern Meeting.

The list for the Clasp and Senior events are familiar piobaireachd, but probably less stringent tests than what players have been accustomed to seeing, while the Gold Medal narrows the submission requirement to three. The Silver Medals ask for four submissions of well-recognized short tunes.

“The set tunes were selected to try and give a fair challenge at the appropriate level in each of the three competitions,” Jack Taylor, Piobaireachd Society president, said. “The Senior tunes are all well enough  known attractive bigger tunes.  We felt that the Gold Medal tunes should be challenging given the stature of the competition. They are  big tunes, less known, and they will fully test musicality, technique, pipe and stamina, but only three are needed.  The Silver Medal tunes are lighter this year but give a good chance for competitors to show their musicianship. It is a reflection of increasing standards that ‘Salute to Donald’ and ‘MacLeod’s Short’ tune were set for the Gold Medal 30 40 years ago. Overall I hope that the selection will give players, and audience, much to enjoy.”

Senior (submit four, play one)

“Colin Roy MacKenzie’s Lament”

“Craigellachie”

“The Finger Lock”

“MacLeod of Colbeck’s Lament”

“Mary’s Praise”

“The Rout of the Lowland Captain”

“The Stewarts’ White Banner”

“The Unjust Incarceration”

Gold Medal (submit three, play one)

“The Black Wedder’s White Tail”

“The Daughter’s Lament”

“My Dearest on Earth Give Me Your Kiss”

“Farewell to the Laird of Islay”

“The Gunns’ Salute”

“Macintosh of Borlum’s Salute”

“Lament for Captain Donald MacKenzie”

“Lament for King George III”

Silver Medal (submit four, play one)

“The Bicker”

“Catherine’s Lament”

“Lament for Donald of Laggan”

“The MacGregors’ Salute”

“MacLeod’s Controversy”

“MacLeod’s Short Tune”

“Salute to Donald”

“You’re Welcome, Ewen Locheil”