Ian Macpherson BEM, a former British Army Bandmaster, and Scott Morton, a former Scots Guards Piper, have recently joined forces as co-composers of 'The Piper's Farewell'.

Both have also performed with brass bands over the years, so the idea of bringing the unique sounds together to celebrate the enduring musical traditions of both the Highland pipes, while drawing upon the equally distinctive heritage of brass bands, was, as they told 4BR, something they wanted to do for a long time.

Specially arranged

Although originally composed for Concert/Wind Band and Bagpipes, 'The Piper's Farewell' has now been specially arranged for the new combination, with Ian telling 4BR: "We've both enjoyed our connections to brass banding in the past so though this new arrangement from the wind band original would work well.

There is a touch of grandeur to go with the lyricism and reflection, and we hope it will be something different to add to concert programmes."

Ian added that the work may be imagined as "the poignant departure of a lone piper at the edge of a battlefield, or as a ceremonial procession into memory".

Other compositions

Ian and Scott have worked together on a number of original compositions for bagpipes and Concert band, including 'Echoes of the Glen', 'The Hallowed Brae', 'Call of the Thistle' and 'Spirit of Alba'.

Find out more

The Piper's Farewell and other titles are available directly from its UK publisher: www.safemusic.co.uk

The Piper's Farewell
Youtube: PiperScott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81njLZGrp0s

The Piper's Farewell Project which describe further what that piece is about in more detail. https://www.thepipersfarewell.uk

Youtube — Ian Macpherson BEM (MacHighlander -The Piper's Farewell (Brass Band)
https://youtu.be/ownL9H_v-WQ?is=VFnUK8eE5a5UWJ_Z